Zambia increases electricity tariffs for mining firms

Zambia's energy regulator has announced an upward adjustment in electricity tariffs for mining firms, a statement seen by Xinhua on Thursday said. The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has announced a 28.8 percent electricity tariff increase to the mining sector with immediate effect. Following the adjustments, the electricity tariffs for mining firms have now been increased from 5.31 U.S. cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 6.84 cents per kWh. "Since July 2013, the ERB has engaged all parties involved in the disputed mining tariffs. After protracted consultations with all the parties involved, the ERB has arrived at this decision," George Chabwera, the chairperson of the energy regulator said in the statement. The official said a bulk electricity supply agreement between the state-run power firm, Zesco Limited and Copperbelt Energy Corporation, a company that supplies power to mining firms has been adjusted to reflect the new tariffs. He further said the other mines supplied directly by the state power utility will have their tariffs adjusted upwards to the new minimum tariff of 6.84 dollars. When contacted for a comment on the matter, the Chamber of Mines of Zambia, which represents all large mining firms in the country, said it will only issue a comprehensive statement after studying the statement from the energy regulator.