Minister of Energy has directed ZESCO Limited and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to investigate concerns from citizens that prepaid electricity units are depleting faster than usual.
The two institutions are expected to submit a report on the matter by 16th March, 2026.
Following the recent resumption of 24-hour electricity supply, several households and businesses have reported a quicker depletion of prepaid units, triggering widespread concerns and claims that ZESCO may be deducting units unfairly or accelerating meter readings.
Delivering a ministerial statement in Parliament on the electricity situation in the country, Makozo Chikote urged citizens to remain patient as investigations are underway.
“As a listening government, we are alive to the concerns of the citizens and we take them seriously,” he said.
The Minister assured the nation that the findings will be made public once the investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chikote revealed that Zambia continues to honour power export commitments amounting to 175 megawatts, in line with existing contractual obligations.
He said the resulting power deficit is being managed through electricity imports via regional inter-connectors, which remain critical in stabilizing the national grid.
“In the short to medium term, this gap is expected to narrow progressively as additional generation capacity comes on stream,” he stated.
Mr. Chikote further noted that the commissioning of pipeline solar power projects will add climate-resilient capacity, while planned coal-based generation projects will provide dependable base-load power to support system stability.
According to the Minister, these interventions will gradually reduce reliance on power imports and strengthen national energy security.
He also disclosed that the Zambezi River Authority has allocated 15 billion cubic meters (BCM) of water to ZESCO Limited for power generation at Kariba North Bank Power Station in 2026, compared to 14 BCM in 2025 and 8 BCM in 2024, following improved rainfall performance.
“This increased allocation is enabling ZESCO to sustain an average generation of approximately 400 megawatts at Kariba North Bank Power Station throughout 2026.”
“Looking ahead, government will commission new solar power projects and clean thermal power plants during 2026, which will further strengthen supply and increase system reliability. Consequently, electricity supply hours are projected to be maintained at 24 hours per day,” he asserted.
