The Parliamentary Committee on Legislation and International Agreements has called on Zesco Limited and other key players in Zambia’s energy sector to expedite the operationalisation of the electricity Open Access and net-metering regulations. These regulations, designed to reshape Zambia’s electricity landscape, are seen as crucial steps towards enhancing the energy sector, promoting competition, and driving economic growth.
The Open Access Regulations, established under Statutory Instrument (SI) 40 of 2024, create a legal framework that allows qualified participants to access and utilize Zambia’s electricity transmission and distribution systems for a set period. Alongside this, Statutory Instrument (SI) 38, which governs net-metering, aims to enable consumers who generate their own electricity (for example, through solar panels) to sell excess power back to the grid.
At a recent Parliamentary Committee session held at Protea Hotel in Ndola, Zesco officials appeared before the committee to discuss the implementation of these crucial regulations. Remember Mutale, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Legislation and International Agreements, stressed the importance of quickly operationalising these regulations to enhance the competitiveness of Zambia’s energy market.
“This is a progressive initiative by the Zambian government that has the potential to drive economic growth and attract new investments,” Mutale said. “Zambia has an opportunity to create a more competitive and efficient electricity market, but only if the two Statutory Instruments—SI 38 and SI 40—are swiftly brought into full operation.”
During the meeting, Mutale addressed concerns that Zesco, which has historically enjoyed a monopoly over power production, distribution, and supply, might be dragging its feet in implementing the Open Access and net-metering regulations. “There are insinuations in the public that because of Zesco’s monopoly, you are playing a hide-and-seek game with the electricity Open Access and Net-metering legislation,” he said. “People are saying that Zesco does not want these regulations to succeed because you want to maintain control over power distribution and net-metering. Can you clarify this issue?”
Zesco officials, however, denied the accusations, stating that they were not obstructing the regulations. They assured the committee that they have been actively involved in sensitizing the public about these new rules, despite their position as a player in the market. Zesco representatives emphasized their commitment to working within the framework of the law and helping facilitate a smooth transition to a more competitive and open energy sector.
The implementation of SI 38 and SI 40 has the potential to transform Zambia’s energy sector by enhancing reliability, promoting innovation, and encouraging greater investment in the industry. Net-metering will empower consumers to become more self-sufficient in energy production, while the Open Access Regulations will allow new market entrants to compete with Zesco in providing electricity services.
As Zambia looks toward the future of its energy landscape, the successful implementation of these regulations is seen as essential in creating a more dynamic and robust energy market. The collaboration of Zesco and other industry stakeholders will be key in ensuring that the benefits of these regulations are fully realized, ultimately contributing to the country’s broader economic development.