OPEN ACCESS REGIME FOR ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION TO HELP END ENERGY POVERTY IN ZAMBIA

Policy Analyst and Academician Kelvin Chibomba says government’s decision to implement a non-discriminatory open access regime for electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure will help to end energy poverty in the country.

Government is in the process of implementing open access regime in the energy sector which will remove state power utility ZESCO from entering into unsustainable power purchase agreements.

Commenting on this development, Mr. Chibomba has told phoenix news that it is important to ensure that the regulatory framework for open access is well-designed and effectively enforced to prevent anti-competitive behavior and safeguard the interests of consumers and the national energy grid’s stability.

He explains that opening access to private sector companies encourages competition, leading to improved efficiency and potentially lower prices for consumers and diverse players may bring in advanced technologies and practices, reducing the likelihood of power outages and enhancing grid reliability.

PHOENIX NEWS