Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has hailed the joint initiative by Government institutions to conduct physical inspections of prepaid electricity meters in selected households across Lusaka and Chongwe districts.
The exercise is being undertaken by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB), ZESCO Limited, Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and Zambia Metrology Agency.
The inspections follow numerous complaints from consumers alleging that ZESCO prepaid electricity units are depleting faster than expected.
ZACA Executive Director, Juba Sakala, described the physical verification of prepaid meters as a timely and necessary intervention aimed at addressing public concerns and restoring confidence in the prepaid metering system.
Mr. Sakala noted that consumers have expressed frustration over what they perceive as unusually rapid consumption rates, placing financial strain on many households.
“The physical verification of prepaid meters is therefore critical to; establish the accuracy and integrity of installed meters, ensure compliance with national measurement standards, promote transparency in electricity billing, and provide factual findings to address public concerns,” he noted.
He emphasized that the inspection process must be carried out in a transparent, professional and technically sound manner, with findings clearly communicated to the public.
“If any irregularities are identified, corrective measures must be implemented promptly to safeguard consumers,” Mr. Sakala emphasized.
Mr. Sakala further encouraged affected consumers to cooperate fully with inspection teams and to continue reporting any anomalies through official channels.
“ZACA remains committed to protecting consumer rights and ensuring accountability, fairness, and transparency in the provision of essential services,” he added.
