THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says it is investigating the alleged unusual and unexplained depletion of Zesco prepaid electricity units being complained about by citizens across the country.

ERB public relations manager Kwali Mfuni disclosed in a statement, Tuesday, that the Board decided to start investigating the matter following queries from members of the public and also the various media reports on the subject.

Mfuni explained that the public would be informed of the findings, either periodically as the investigations progress, or at the conclusion of the matter.

“The Energy Regulation Board has instituted investigations into complaints of alleged unusual and unexplained depletion of Zesco prepaid electricity units in different parts of the country that has also been the subject of the recent media attention. The investigation would be carried out pursuant to the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019 and are intended to ascertain the validity of the allegations and also rule out the possibility of meters having been tampered with or malfunctioning on account of age or other factors. It is envisaged that the investigations into the matter would see the ERB engage with other stakeholders, including relevant government agencies, suppliers of metres and professional bodies,” stated Mfuni.

“A number of complaints have been received by the ERB, while various media outlets have also reported receiving similar reports, prompting responses from Zesco on the matter. The consumers allege that there is noticeable difference in their consumption patterns for the same number of units and their electricity bills have gone up. As investigations progress, members of the public would be informed of the findings, either periodically or the conclusion of the matter. To report similar complaints or make enquiries on other energy matters, the ERB may be contacted on the toll free line 8484.”