The government has disclosed that electricity tariffs could increase by 75 percent this year.
Speaking to Journalists in Lusaka Minister of Energy Mathews Nkhuwa explains that the increment will be implemented as soon as the deal with South Africa over the importation of 300 megawatts of electricity is finalized between Zesco and Eskom.
He adds that the Energy Regulation Board will soon be invited to make submissions over the new tariff hike.
Zambia is currently experiencing a power deficit of 700 Megawatts and plans are underway to import a 300 Megawatts from South Africa and a further 300 megawatts from Mozambique.
In May this year, President Edgar Lungu directed the Ministry of Energy to defer the Tariff review application made by power utility company ZESCO to the Energy Regulations Board.
Among the proposals include the downward adjustment of the lifeline tariff from 200kwh to 100kwh and elimination of the monthly fixed charge for residential and commercial customers.