Electricity Tariffs in Zambia — ZESCO Rates
Updated ZESCO tariffs under the Multi-Year Tariff Framework (MYTF) approved by the ERB, effective 1 November 2025. Residential, commercial, prepaid top-up values, and cost-saving strategies.
Electricity costs rose sharply in 2025. Emergency tariffs (Feb-Oct 2025) reached K6.39/kWh for the highest residential band due to Kariba Dam water crisis. The MYTF framework (Nov 2025) reduced these to K3.23/kWh but rates remain 3-4x higher than pre-2025 levels. The MYTF runs until October 2027.
ZESCO MYTF Tariff Schedule (Nov 2025 — Oct 2027)
| Category | Rate | Typical Monthly | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential R1 (0 – 100 kWh) | K 0.54/kWh | K 0 – 54 | Lifeline tariff — lowest consumption band |
| Residential R2 (101 – 300 kWh) | K 1.28/kWh | K 130 – 310 | Standard domestic — most households |
| Residential R3 (301 – 500 kWh) | K 2.07/kWh | K 415 – 725 | High usage band — AC/geyser users |
| Residential R4 (501+ kWh) | K 3.23/kWh | K 800+ | Highest band — heavy consumption penalty |
| Commercial C1 (0 – 100 kWh) | K 0.92/kWh | K 0 – 92 | Small commercial — kiosks, small shops |
| Commercial C2 (101 – 300 kWh) | K 1.58/kWh | K 160 – 475 | Standard commercial |
| Commercial C3 (301 – 500 kWh) | K 2.52/kWh | K 755 – 1,260 | Medium commercial — restaurants, offices |
| Commercial C4 (501+ kWh) | K 2.39/kWh | K 1,200+ | Large commercial — hotels, malls |
Prepaid Top-Up — How Many Units Do You Get?
| Top-Up | Units (approx.) | Typical Usage |
|---|---|---|
| K 50 | ~39 – 93 kWh | Light usage — LED lights, phone charging, TV |
| K 100 | ~60 – 120 kWh | Small household — lights, fridge, TV |
| K 200 | ~100 – 175 kWh | Medium household with fridge, washing machine |
| K 500 | ~200 – 350 kWh | AC, electric stove, geyser — hits R3 band |
| K 1,000 | ~350 – 600 kWh | Multiple AC units, pool pump — R4 band |
Note: Prepaid units use the same inclining block tariff — your first 100 kWh in a month is at the lifeline rate (K0.54), subsequent consumption is charged at progressively higher rates.
Understanding ZESCO's Inclining Block Tariff
ZESCO uses an inclining block tariff — the more electricity you consume, the higher the rate per unit. This means the first 100 kWh each month costs K0.54/kWh, but if you use 500+ kWh, the excess is charged at K3.23/kWh — 6 times more expensive. The system is designed to protect low-income households while discouraging excessive consumption.
How Much Electricity Does Your Home Use?
Typical Appliance Consumption
Saving on Your Electricity Bill
The steepest cost jump is between R2 (K1.28) and R3 (K2.07) — keeping consumption under 300 kWh can halve your bill. Key savings:
- Solar geyser — Eliminates 100-150 kWh/month, saving K128-310/month at R2/R3 rates
- LPG cooking — A 9kg gas cylinder (K200-280) replaces 80-120 kWh of electric cooking
- LED lighting — Each LED bulb saves 75% vs incandescent (K20-40 per bulb, lasts 5+ years)
- Solar home system — 3kW panels + 5kWh battery (K40,000-60,000) can eliminate grid dependence
Electricity & ZESCO Questions
How much does electricity cost per month in Zambia?
Under the MYTF tariffs effective November 2025, a typical household using 200-300 kWh pays K180-380/month. This is significantly higher than pre-2025 rates. The first 100 kWh is charged at K0.54/kWh (lifeline rate), then K1.28/kWh for 101-300 kWh. Homes with AC and electric geysers (400-600 kWh) can pay K700-1,500/month due to the steep R3 (K2.07) and R4 (K3.23) bands.
How do I buy ZESCO prepaid electricity?
ZESCO prepaid units can be purchased via: mobile money (MTN MoMo *303#, Airtel Money *778#, Zamtel *422#), ZESCO offices, banks (Zanaco, FNB, Stanbic internet banking), and authorised vendors. You need your ZESCO meter number. Units are delivered instantly via SMS token. Enter the 20-digit token into your prepaid meter to load the units.
Why did ZESCO tariffs increase so much in 2025?
ZESCO implemented emergency tariffs from February to October 2025 due to severe power deficits caused by low water levels at Kariba Dam and Kafue Gorge. Emergency residential rates reached K6.39/kWh for the highest band. In November 2025, the ERB approved a Multi-Year Tariff Framework (MYTF) with lower but still elevated rates — the highest residential rate dropped from K6.39 to K3.23/kWh. ZESCO is moving toward cost-reflective pricing to fund infrastructure investment.
What is load shedding in Zambia?
Load shedding occurs when ZESCO cannot meet peak electricity demand, typically during dry seasons when dam water levels are low. 2024-2025 saw some of the worst load shedding in Zambia's history — up to 12-16 hours daily at peak. Schedules are published on ZESCO social media and the ZESCO app. Solutions include solar home systems (ZMK 15,000-50,000 for a basic 3kW setup), generators, and inverter batteries.
Is it worth switching to solar in Zambia?
Yes, increasingly so. With MYTF tariffs at K2-3/kWh for higher bands, a basic solar system (3kW panels + 5kWh battery) costing K40,000-60,000 can pay for itself in 3-5 years for high-consumption households. Solar is particularly attractive because Zambia averages 6-8 hours of peak sunlight daily. Net metering (selling excess solar back to ZESCO) is available but uptake remains limited.