LUSAKA, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's energy regulator on Thursday approved a plan by the state power utility for an emergency upward adjustment of electricity tariffs to raise funds for power imports.

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) said it has approved an application by ZESCO Limited to help the firm generate about 15 million U.S. dollars monthly from retail customers to contribute toward the importation of 788 megawatts of electricity.

James Banda, chairperson of the ERB, said the approval was expected to come into effect from Nov. 1 and run up to Jan. 31, 2025, when a new contract shall be renewed.

"As ZESCO is a major supplier of power in the country, it is impossible to ignore the devastating impact the drought has had on it. To this effect, ERB has approved ZESCO's application to increase tariffs during the emergency period," he said in a statement.

He said the decision will also see an improvement in electricity supply from the current three hours daily on a rotational basis to seven hours.

Zambia is facing a critical electricity deficit due to poor rains experienced during the 2023/2024 rainy season, which has affected electricity generation in its major power plants.

Hydro-generated electricity accounts for about 80 percent of Zambia's electricity needs.

Currently, the power deficit has increased from 900 megawatts to 1,300 megawatts. Enditem

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