The status of power sector decentralisation in Zambia

Decentralisation has been part of the government’s policy in Zambia since the 1960s. However, due to various factors, the actualisation of decentralisation in various sectors, including energy, has been very slow. Given the rising interest in decentralisation, this study was undertaken to understand the status and prospects of decentralised energy planning and provision in Zambia. Our key findings are that there is currently very little decentralised energy planning; there is confusion regarding the role of the state power utility (ZESCO) and that of the councils in municipal electricity service provision going forward; and there is very little local-level coordination of electrification planning in Zambia. However, our study finds that the prevailing political and policy environment provides a good foundation for the decentralisation of the energy sector in Zambia. To actualise decentralised energy planning, the government must finalise and implement the energy sector devolution plan; introduce integrated local energy sector planning; and strengthen the legal and regulatory framework for the use of the CDF in financing off-grid renewable energy projects in the local councils