An energy expert has charged that the decision by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to revise upwards the ZESCO connection fees will affect the efforts that have so far been recorded with regards to enhancing afforestation in the country.
Bornface Zulu has observed that this is because the increase will discourage many people from getting connected to the national electricity grid but will instead resort to using charcoal as the main source of energy.
Mr. Zulu explained to ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka that increasing the connection fee will mean that less people will have access to electricity in a timely manner as most people will not be able to raise money for connection thereby forcing them to use charcoal and firewood.
He said this will also slow down the efforts which the government has put up for achieving universal access to electricity for all Zambians by 2030.
“This decision will make people not be attracted to connect to the nation grid due to over priced connection fees and this decision also has negative effects on the efforts being made to reduce carbon emissions as well as our carbon storage is affected because less people will be connected to the grid and more people will continue cutting down trees as a source of energy,” he added.
He said there is need for the country to put in place a proper response to energy challenges.
Currently, Zambia’s deforestation rate stands at approximately 300,000 hectares per year, which is expected to grow by 25 percent in the next five years.
The ERB has approved the application by ZESCO to revise upwards the electricity connection charges.
They are undoing everything their predecessors did. MMD advanced rural electrification now UPND wants the apamwamba to be the only ones with electricity.
It’s true already you want a green economy now how will it be possible when people will continue to use charcoal because they can’t afford electricity.
All the tress have been replaced by buildings and malls….nothing left to cut
Incompetent leadership from top to bottom…All they know is talking.
Deforestation will not stop in Zambia
even with no connection Fees
so stop talking nonsense
We africans live for today and not for the future
Maybe the next generation will have a better understanding
Incompetent leadership from top to bottom…All they know is talking. Without thinking.. Without looking into the welfare of the poor.. Upnd is a pro rich party. A puppet of America,
Cut the trees ba koswe and us we arrest you. But in the meantime , Connection are going up definitely and non negotiable. But dare the cut the trees and see! also Remember,whether Electricity are up or down, in Zambia, there is no law that permits you to start cutting trees, just because the price of Electricity is now up. No! So we are increasing the price-definitely and you go and start cutting trees you prisoner.