Let ERB mediate in Zesco, CEC power tiff - Chikwanda

THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) must take keen interest and arbitrate in the impasse between Zesco and Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), energy expert, Johnstone Chikwanda, has said.

Mr Chikwanda said the current situation was not healthy hence the need for the regulator to step in, to iron out the issues regarding the Bulky Supply Agreement (BSA) new contract.

Recently, Minister of Energy, Mathew Nkhuwa, instructed the two companies to ensure that the negotiations began immediately when he had a meeting with both parties.

But Zesco Corporate Affairs Manager

John Kunda said the case which is active in court has halted the negotiations because some of the issues that needed to be ironed out were part of the court case.

Meanwhile CEC Chief Executive Officer, Owen Silavwe indicated that the Ministry of Energy must give guidance on the matter.

In an interview, Dr Kunda said some issues which were supposed to be discussed during the negotiations were in court.

But Mr Chikwanda in an interview yesterday said the impasse between the two parties was becoming larger, therefore ERB as a regulator of the energy industry must take interest because the longer the impasse takes the more instability can be in the sector.

He said “ERB need to take keen interest in ensuring that the instruction that the Minster of Energy Mr Nkhuwa had issued be actualised.

“As it is now we do not know who is playing hide and seek, who is not serious in this matter and why are they not being serious.

If it is not possible for ERB to be the best arbitrator then they need to ignite other provisions of the law to ensure that an arbitrator is found or a group of them to arbitrate this matter in the best interest of both parties and of the public.

“The Minister of Energy gave a policy guidance that the two parties need to sit down and be able come to the negotiating table and resolve this matter but nothing has been done so the regulator must come in,” Mr Chikwanda said.