The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) held public meetings in Kasama and Chipata in
August 2007 to sensitise electricity consumers on the Electricity Consumer
Charter. The meetings attracted a number of residents who expressed their
dissatisfaction with the quality of electricity services in both towns.
Since the Consumer Charter was launched in February 2007, the ERB has been
visiting various parts of the country to sensitise electricity consumers about
their rights and obligations with regard to the provision of electricity
services.
ZESCO Limited, being the major electricity service provider in the country, has
been engaged to re-affirm its commitment to deliver quality electricity
services. To that end, ZESCO has been making presentations alongside ERB at such
public meetings.
In Chipata, ZESCO regional management highlighted the major problem they faced
in delivering quality services as the growing demand against the limited
capacity. ZESCO acknowledged that there was a high incidence of low voltage in
the province of late. However, the utility indicated that they were on course to
improve quality of service by upgrading some of the infrastructure.
Zambiaâââs first ever electricity consumer charter was adopted as a practical step
to highlight consumer rights and responsibilities, utility obligations and
regulatory functions in ensuring a high quality of electricity services. The
charter has been used to enhance electricity consumersâââ awareness about their
rights. |
