By NORMA SIAME-

THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has started promoting the use of environment-friendly alternative sources of energy such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a way of mitigating Zambia’s energy deficit.

The use of energy sources such as bio-fuels, LPG and solar would be promoted for domestic use during the period Zesco would be working towards increasing its generation capacity to match demand spurred by the growing population.

The strain on energy has also come by way of increased industrial demand for power.

During a series of meetings in Northern and Muchinga provinces, with final one held in Mbala yesterday, the ERB encouraged consumers to use solar energy to lessen dependency on electric power.

The consumers were, however, advised to only buy solar panels from ERB-approved distributors to ensure they acquired authentic products.

Davies Mupenda, who headed the ERB team that yesterday held a meeting with stakeholders in Mbala, said it was important to reach more consumers and stakeholders to raise awareness on energy issues.

Mr Mupenda said there was need to meet challenges in the energy sector and provide consumers with more choices.

Mbala District Commissioner Best Kabulembe said the district had outlying areas like Senga which had no licensed filling station.
Mr Kabulembe, in a speech read for him by Mbala District Agricultural Coordinator Felix Mungaila, said he was hopeful that the uniform pricing of petroleum products introduced throughout the country would encourage investment and reduce the cost of doing business.