adminelectricity consumers total control over consumption.
Minister Mangoma told a conference recently that they were expediting the rollout of the pre-paid meters to reduce the use of estimates, which are generally believed to be inaccurate.
“Estimates were benefiting some elements in Zesa and they will obviously not be pleased with the development,” said the minister.
“We are trying to speed up the rollout process to reduce and eventually stop the use of estimations. The rollout should be complete within 10 months.”
Zesa has said it requires around US$60 million to install the pre-paid meters countrywide. But the energy minister contends that the project would yield greater value.
“What we are trying to do is to improve our credit rating so that we can borrow for expansion projects,” said Minister Mangoma.
The pre-paid meter system is expected to improve efficiency in electricity usage, Zesa’s revenue flows and denting the debt consumers owe to Zesa.
In line with this, the Government will also be determining a new electricity tariff, which the minister said would be “win-win”.
“The tariff should balance the interests of both the investor and the consumer,” said Minister Mangoma.
Some observers believe Zesa’s current pricing model has contributed partly to the dilapidation of electricity infrastructure in the country.
Zesa’s limited financial capacity has resulted in the power utility failing to institute significant levels of infrastructure refurbishment and upgrades at its power stations.
Key targeted projects include the expansion of 800 megawatts at the Batoka Gorge hydropower power station and 300MW at the Kariba South hydroelectric power station.
In respect of the former project, Minister Mangoma said the Government, together with its Zambian counterparts, were putting out expressions of interest for Batoka.
“We are allowing interested investors to come into the project because we believe that without investors such projects cannot succeed,” he said.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter