• Three companies were fined K75, 000 each for operating without the necessary license.
• Oasis Oil Zambia Limited and Surya Energy Limited have both been fined K45, 000.
• Refuel Petroleum Corporation Limited and Dizab Investments Limited have also both been fined K30, 000 each.
Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has fined eight energy companies including Zesco Limited a total of K420, 000 for breaching various license conditions, in violation of regulatory guidelines.
ERB Manager-Public Relations Namukolo Kasumpa revealed in a statement that three companies including Zesco Limited, Endrome Petroleum and Almacs Limited were fined K75, 000 each for operating without the necessary license, contrary to the Energy Regulation Act No.12 of 2019.
Mrs. Kasumpa added that Oasis Oil Zambia Limited and Surya Energy Limited have both been fined K45, 000 for making unauthorized variations to their site layout without obtaining approval from the ERB.
“The Licensees fined include Zesco Limited for the distribution of electricity, Endrome Petroleum and Almacs Limited for operating road tanks without approval.”
“Refuel Petroleum Corporation Limited and Dizab Investments Limited have also both been fined K30, 000 each for delivery of fuel to an unlicensed facility contrary to their respective license conditions, with Luapula Oils being fined K45, 000 for engaging an unlicensed transporter to transport petroleum products,” Mrs. Kasumpa stated.
She said the penalties were imposed following enforcement hearings at which the affected licensees were accorded an opportunity to be heard but ERB found them wanting and undertook enforcement action against the entities.
“The imposition of these fines underscores ERB’s commitment to enforcing license conditions and maintaining regulatory standards. It Serves to discourage non-compliant behavior and promotes an efficient and transparent energy sector that ensures public safety, and protects consumer interest,” she said.
She added that all licensed companies operating in the energy sector should ensure that they adhere to their license conditions and set regulator standards.
“The ERB will continue to proactively monitor licensees and will not hesitate to institute enforcement action against any erring licensees to ensure provision of sustainable and reliable energy services and products,” Mrs. Kasumpa added.
