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The Government first announced plans to break up ZETDC early this year as part of its energy reforms.
It is keen to attract independent power producers (IPP) to help meet electricity demands.
Currently the country imports around 35 percent of its power requirements from neighbouring countries.
Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma said the establishment of the two new entities — one in charge of distribution and the other transmission — would be completed by December.
“Cabinet has approved the unbundling of ZETDC and we are now in the process of setting up the two new companies,” he said.
“Ideally we would want them to start operating in January 2013.”
He said Government will wholly own the distribution company, while the transmission company would be a joint venture between government and private players.
He said the move was also in line with government efforts to encourage private player participation in the generation and distribution of electricity.
“We want IPP’s to be confident with the country’s electricity transmission and distribution systems. We want to assure them that whatever they produce will reach their customers.
“Since Zesa will be competing with IPPs, it cannot continue being a transmitter and distributor at the same time. So as government we want to give all the power producers equal opportunities,” he said. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter