Zesco has proposed a continuous increase in electricity tariffs for both domestic and commercial consumers.

According to the proposals pending the Energy Regulation Board’s approval, Zesco intends to increase the cost of electricity twice this year – in May and September.

For metered residential tariffs, Zesco, through its managing director Victor Mundende, has proposed an increase from 0.51 K/kwh to 0.77 K/kwh in May and 0.89 K/kwh in September whilst the fixed monthly charge proposals are from 18.23 K/month to 27.35 K/month in May and 31.90 K/month in September.

And for commercial tariffs, Zesco has proposed an increase from 0.31 K/kwh to 0.47 K/kwh in May and 0.54 K/kwh in September whilst the fixed monthly charge proposals are from 55.09 K/month to 82.64 K/month in May and 96.41 K/month in September.

Meanwhile, for social service tariffs; which affect schools, hospitals, orphanages and churches, Zesco is proposing an increase from 0.28 K/kwh to 0.42 K/kwh in May and 0.49 K/kwh in September whilst the fixed service charge proposals are from 47.91 K/month to 71.87 K/month in May and 83.84 K/month in September.

And for maximum demand tariffs; for consumers who require a capacity between 16-300kVA, Zesco is proposing an increase from 0.2 K/kwh to 0.30 K/kwh in May and 0.35 K/kwh in September with proposals for fixed monthly charges being from 136.82 K/month to 205.23 K/month in May and 239.44 K/kwh in September.

Mundende notes that the above proposed tarrifs are exclusive of three percent government exercise duty and 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT).

Last week, Finance Minister Felix Mutati told the nation that electricity tariffs would soon be adjusted upwards when he featured on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview.

He said government would continue removing subsidies in the energy sector.