—-The Zambia Consumers Association (ZACA) has expressed confidence in the setting up of Ndola Energy Company to supply electricity, saying it will help reduce load shading levels and boost economic activities on the Copperbelt.
ZACA Executive Director, Muyunda Illilonga, told ZANIS in Lusaka today that it is encouraging to note that another player in the energy sector has emerged to improve electricity service delivery in the country.
Mr Illilonga said the continued load shading in the country is an indication thatZesco is over loaded, hence the need for other participants to come on board in order to create competition in the energy sector.
He stated that the Zesco does not have the capacity to meet the rising demand for electricity and hoped that Ndola Energy Company will broaden the consumer base by bringing even more customers on board.
The ZACA executive director noted that the company will be joining the market at a good time government has achieved economic stability and should therefore be able to reflect affordable tariffs.
Mr Illilonga further called on the energy company to expand their capacity and extend their services not only to rural parts of Ndola but to the entire Copperbelt and the country as a whole.
Meanwhile, Mr Illilonga has commended government for granting the Ndola Energy Company permission to expand its operations and engage in electricity supply to Ndola through the national electricity grid via the Zesco Skyways Sub- station for onwards sale to Ndola-based electricity consumers.
The Ndola Energy Company has completed its installations in readiness for electricity generation under the US$ 110 million Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) power generation project.