Zanzibar hikes electricity tariffs

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO) has announced new electricity tariffs, drawing mixed reactions from both residential and business consumers.

For ordinary domestic and small business users in categories Z0-Z1, the rate for the first 50 units per month has increased from 79/- to 84/- per unit.

However, those consuming more than 50 units will see a reduction in their rate, now paying 290/- per unit, down from 480/-.

Public Relations Manager for the Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA), Mr Mbarak Hassan Haji said during a press conference that ZECO requested the tariff adjustment in response to growing demand for electricity.

“Before the tariff adjustment, consultations were held with stakeholders,” Mr Haji said, adding that the price for category Z1-Z2 consumers (those using 1 to 1,500 kWh) has increased from 266/- to 280/- per unit.

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Larger consumers in category Z2-Z3, including big businesses and light industries, are facing price hikes as well. The rate for Z2 users has risen from 206/- to 217/- per unit, while Z3 users will pay 169/- to 178/- per unit.

Consumers with high power demands (measured in KVA) will continue to pay 16,000/- per unit.

A positive note for consumers is that ZECO has decided to keep the service charge and demand charge unchanged—2,100/- for small consumers and 150,000/- for larger consumers.