ERB acts tough, punishes 8 energy companies

THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has fined eight energy companies a total of K408, 000 for their failure to comply with prescribed licence conditions as mandated by the provisions outlined in the Energy Regulation Act.

According to a statement that was made available ERB Public Relations Manager, Namukolo Kasumpa the penalties were imposed following enforcement hearings, at which the offending licensees were accorded an opportunity to be duly heard.

Ms Kasumpa said ERB subsequently found the licensees wanting and warranted appropriate punitive measures, to ensure compliance and uphold regulatory standards.

She said two companies were levied a fine of K75,000 each for operating without the necessary licence, contrary to the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019.

Ms. Kasumpa said the Licensees are WWW Investment Limited for operating without a license to transport petroleum products and Chingases Company Limited for engaging in the retail of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) without a licence.

She also said Total Energies Zambia and Admire Energy Limited where fined K45, 000 each with Vivo Energy Zambia being fined K24,000 all for operating with retail service stock outs without written notification to the ERB.

Ms. Kasumpa said Mount Meru Petroleum Limited was equally fined K45, 000 for failure to conduct licensed activity in accordance with the conditions, standards, and regulations as well as failure to comply with a directive of the ERB.

She said North-Western Energy Corporation (NWEC) was fined K30, 000 for failure to resolve compliance anomalies in accordance with the ERB Directive, with Minegases Company Limited being fined K45,000 for failure to comply with regulations, standards, guidelines and procedures relating to quality and reliability of supply and service as well as failure to comply with a directive of the ERB.

“The imposition of these fines underscores ERB's commitment to enforcing licence conditions and maintaining regulatory standards. It serves to discourage non-compliant behavior and promotes an efficient and transparent energy sector that ensures public safety and protects consumer interests,” she said.