ZESCO AMONG 29 COMPANIES FINED BY ERB FOR LICENCE BREACHES

ZESCO AMONG 29 COMPANIES FINED BY ERB FOR LICENCE BREACHES

ZESCO Limited is among 29 companies that have been fined by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) for breaching licence conditions and failing to meet statutory obligations.

The ERB fined ZESCO K100,000 for failing to establish and maintain appropriate safety systems and standards, following comprehensive compliance audits and regulatory oversight aimed at ensuring adherence to the operational standards prescribed under the Energy Regulation Act.

Other companies sanctioned include Uno Energies Zambia Limited, which was fined K180,000 for fuel contamination and failure to conduct mandatory quality checks.

ERB Manager-Public Relations Namukolo Kasumpa revealed that Harvest Group of Companies Limited was fined K60,000 at both its Tokyo Way and Buluwe Road sites for construction-related violations, while Sany International Zambia Industrial Limited was fined K60,000 for constructing an electricity generation facility without a construction permit.

Ms. Kasumpa added that eight companies were issued formal warnings for failing to comply with an ERB directive issued on February 27, 2025, which required the submission of self-audit reports within a prescribed timeframe.

“These companies are Chingases Company Limited, Exclusive Brands Africa, Oryx Energies (Z) Limited, Falcon Gas (Z) Limited, Lake Gas (Z) Limited, Gastec Trading & Supply Limited, Rubis Energy (Z) Limited, and Minegases Company (Z) Limited,” she said.

Ms. Namukolo further disclosed that 15 companies have settled outstanding statutory fees, comprising licence fees, Strategic Reserve Fund fees and Fuel Marking fees, amounting to K366,507.25 following debt collection enforcement measures.

She added that the enforcement actions demonstrate the regulator’s resolve to ensure all licensed entities comply with their licence conditions and operate within the law.

“These enforcement actions underscore the ERB’s determination to ensure that all licensed entities comply with their licence conditions and operate within the framework of the Energy Regulation Act,”Ms. Kasumpa stated.

Ms. Kasumpa reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to strengthening monitoring and enforcement to enhance compliance across the energy sector.

“The ERB remains committed to ensuring strict compliance with regulatory requirements, protecting consumer interests and promoting safety and efficiency within the energy sector,” she added.