Energy uniform pricing under review, says PS

GOVERNMENT will next year review the uniform pricing in the energy sector to develop a responsive regulatory framework which may arise from emerging trends in the industry.

Energy Permanent Secretary, Trevor Kaunda, said Government would continue to ensure that players in the industry adhered to sector standards.

Mr Kaunda said the priority in this regard would be reviewing the Uniform Pricing mechanism to ensure cost recovery and development of a responsive regulatory framework to the emerging trends in the energy sector.

Mr Kaunda was speaking when he appeared before the Expanded Budget Committee.

He also said his ministry would next year ensure full operationalisation of the revenue inspectorate and fuel marking inspectorate to increase compliance, revenue collection and quality standards.

Mr Kaunda explained that this was meant to increase compliance, set infrastructural and quality standards.

“This programme will also enable the development and implementation of the renewable energy regulatory framework to strengthen the regulatory scope

“The Uniform Pricing mechanism and downstream margins will be reviewed in structure and performance to ensure cost recovery and development of a responsive regulatory framework to the emerging trends in the energy sector,” he said.

The ministry, Mr Kaunda said, would next year also develop a feed-in-tariff system to attract private sector investments.

Mr Kaunda explained that this would ensure diversification in the energy sector.

He said the Ministry would aim to diversify the power generation sources to include renewable energy such as solar, geothermal, wind, waste to energy and mini-hydro’s.

“Renewable and alternative energy sources will be exploited for domestic cooking to replace charcoal and firewood.

“Renewable sources such as gel fuel, biogas and biomass pellets are potential fuel for cooking while alternatives such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas and coal briquettes will also be promoted to avoid overdependence on charcoal and firewood for cooking,” he said.