An Economist has attributed the faster depletion of prepaid electricity units to changes in usage patterns and not billing manipulation by ZESCO Limited.
Following the recent resumption of 24-hour electricity supply, many households and businesses have reported quicker depletion of prepaid electricity units, triggering concerns and widespread claims that ZESCO is deducting units or speeding up meters.
In a statement, Dr. Lubinda Haabazoka clarified that ZESCO cannot deduct units once electricity has been purchased and loaded onto a prepaid meter, as the units belong to the customer.
Dr. Haabazoka explained that the prepaid meter is a certified measuring device and cannot remotely remove units arbitrarily, noting that the power utility cannot increase the speed at which a meter consumes units.
“Prepaid meters measure actual electricity usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). They do not run faster when power supply improves. Consumption only increases when more electrical energy is used.”
“The increase in unit consumption is real, but it is driven by changes in usage patterns, not by billing manipulation. Several factors explain this shift,” he said.
Dr. Haabazoka explained that during the load-shedding period, households and businesses used electricity for fewer hours per day, reduced the use of energy-intensive appliances, and loaded units that lasted longer because power was not always available.
“As a result, electricity consumption was artificially suppressed. Now that power is available 24 hours a day, normal usage has resumed and in many cases increased,” Dr. Haabazoka stressed.
He added that with a stable power supply, many households have shifted back from gas stoves to electric cookers, while electrical geysers, kettles, irons, and heaters are now being used more frequently.
The economist said cooking and water heating are among the highest electricity-consuming activities in a household, significantly increasing monthly usage.
“Batteries are frequently recharged using ZESCO power when supply is available. This creates additional electricity demand, even when lights and appliances appear to be running on backup power. This charging load adds quietly but significantly to total consumption,” he noted.
“During load management, ZESCO introduced emergency tariffs to facilitate power imports. These tariffs were higher and temporary. With improved generation capacity, emergency tariffs have been suspended and the country has reverted to normal tariffs approved by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).”
Dr. Haabazoka emphasized that electricity tariffs have not increased recently, stating that what has changed is how much electricity consumers are now using, not hidden deductions.
He stressed that Zambia remains among the lowest-cost electricity markets for residential users at low consumption levels.
“Progressive tariffs are standard practice in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Namibia. Higher-use consumers everywhere pay more per unit to support system sustainability,” Dr. Haabazoka added.
