ERB clamps down on 9 OMCs
By Ludia Ngwadzai
THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has taken enforcement action against nine energy sector licensees for non-compliance with statutory obligations.
ERB manager-public relations Namukolo Kasumpa said the ERB recovered K417, 851.60 in outstanding fees and penalties arising from breaches of licence conditions and regulatory directives.
Kasumpa said the enforcement action was part of the regulator’s mandate to promote compliance, accountability and adherence to laws and regulatory requirements in the energy sector.
“The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has taken enforcement action against nine (9) licensees for non-compliance with statutory obligations, licence conditions and regulatory directives,” Kasumpa said.
She said five licensees settled outstanding statutory and regulatory fees following debt collection enforcement action.
“Onsite Energy Limited paid K104,985.80 in outstanding ERB statutory fees, while Ordod Oil Company Limited paid K92,299.70. Asharami Energy Resource Limited paid K82,114.52, with Afrivert Energy Limited settling K35,451.43. Xtra Energies Limited separately paid K43,000.15 in outstanding Fuel Marking Fees and Strategic Reserve Fund fees,” she said.
Kasumpa explained that three other companies, Lake Energies Zambia Limited, Mount Meru Petroleum Zambia Limited and Puma Energy Zambia Limited, were found to have non-functional compressed air systems, contrary to Clause 3.3.1 of their licence conditions.
“The three companies were subsequently issued reprimands,” she said.
Kasumpa said Zhong Kuang Services Company Limited was found to have failed to comply with an ERB directive dated August 6, 2025, which required the prioritisation of supply uplifts from the Ndola Fuel Terminal for the retail market.
Kasumpa said the company was subjected to a compounded penalty of K60, 000, which it subsequently paid.
She said compliance with licence conditions, statutory obligations and ERB directives remained a fundamental requirement for all licensed entities operating in the energy sector.
“The ERB will continue to monitor compliance across the energy sector and take appropriate enforcement action against licensees that fail to meet their regulatory obligations,” she said.
Kasumpa said the enforcement measures demonstrated the Board’s continued commitment to strengthening regulatory compliance, promoting accountability and protecting consumers.
She said the measures were necessary as they aimed at ensuring a safe, reliable, efficient and well-regulated energy sector capable of supporting the wider economy.
