ERB Approves Extension of ZESCO’s Emergency Tariffs Until October 2025

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved ZESCO’s application to extend the current emergency period and associated tariff measures for an additional three months, now running from 1 August to 31 October 2025.

The ERB reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the emergency tariffs and operational guidelines introduced in October 2024, citing persistent challenges in power generation and long-term sustainability.

The extension follows a detailed review of ZESCO’s application, which revealed that the underlying issues prompting the original emergency declaration in April 2024 remain unresolved. These concerns have been further exacerbated by the ongoing regional drought affecting Southern Africa.

According to the ERB, water levels in major reservoirs remain critically low, even at the close of the rainy season. Hydropower stations continue to face significant difficulties in meeting national electricity demand, raising concerns over the stability of the energy supply.

The emergency was initially declared under Section 18 of the Electricity Act No. 11 of 2019 on 12 April 2024. This led to the introduction of revised tariffs following public consultations in October 2024. These measures are subject to quarterly reviews, with the most recent assessment conducted in April 2025.