The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has started consultations with stakeholders to gather input on the rollout of Zambia’s Electricity Open Access Framework, a policy designed to make the country’s power sector more competitive and inclusive.
ERB Director General Elijah Sichone explained that the framework will allow qualifying players to use spare transmission or distribution capacity on a fair and non-discriminatory basis. This means companies without their own infrastructure will be able to access the national grid, provided there is available capacity.
Speaking at a consultative meeting in Lusaka, Mr. Sichone said the initiative is expected to attract more investment in electricity generation, improve supply to households, and support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
ERB’s Director of Economic Regulation, Alfred Mwila, added that the new system will enable independent power producers (IPPs) to sell electricity directly to large consumers, such as mining companies, without depending solely on ZESCO to purchase their power.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary Arnold Simwaba, Assistant Director for Electricity and Power Development Michael Mulasikwanda emphasized that the framework is not meant to disrupt existing supply contracts. Instead, it aims to create new opportunities for market entrants under transparent and predictable regulations.
The Electricity Open Access Framework is seen as a key step toward liberalizing Zambia’s energy sector, enhancing competition, and improving electricity reliability for both businesses and households.
