Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, says the Agency is ready to contribute to strengthening of regulations in the energy sector in a bid to enhance consumer and environment protection.
Mr. Chizinga said there is need to strengthen the regulatory framework in the energy sector through the development and enforcement of compulsory standards.
He noted that product safety is key to protect consumers and the environment, as well as to sustain the energy sector.
Mr Chizinga was speaking in Lusaka on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, when ZCSA made a submission to the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Water Development and Tourism on the participation of the private sector in the energy sector.
The Committee was being chaired by Sesheke Member of Parliament Romeo Kang’ombe.
Mr. Chizinga called for more private sector participation in the energy sector to enhance product safety.
“Recent reforms implemented in the energy sector in response to the drought induced energy crisis, such as net metering which allow consumers to generate their own electricity from renewable energy sources and offset their consumption from the electricity grid, are major milestones in enhancing private sector participation in the energy sector,” noted Mr. Chizinga
He said by leveraging the participation of the private sector, the country can accelerate the transition to enhanced use of alternative energy sources and mitigate the climate change induced energy challenges.
“Private sector participation in the energy sector can create new job opportunities and stimulate the domestic economy,” Mr. Chizinga added.
And speaking during the same meeting, Sesheke Member of Parliament Romeo Kang’ombe thanked ZCSA for appearing before the Committee.
Mr. Kang’ombe said parliament looks to technical institutions like ZCSA for guidance especially on matters that promote consumer health, safety and environment protection.
Some of the compulsory standards regulated by ZCSA in the energy sector include the following:
a) ZS 369: Automotive Gasoil (Diesel Fuel)
b) ZS 395: Unleaded Petrol (Gasoline) for Motor Vehicles
c) ZS 394: Aviation Turbine Fuel (Jet A-1) – Specification
d) ZS 371: Road Tank Vehicles for Petroleum-Based Flammable Liquids
e) ZS 380: Illuminating Kerosene – Specification
f) ZS 429 Part 4: Transportation of LPG in Bulk By Road – Code of Practice
ZCSA regulates 61 imported and locally manufactured products falling within the scope of compulsory standards covering Food Products, Beverages, Chemical products, Household Electrical and similar appliances, Fuel, Fertilizers, Rubber products and Used Textile Products, among others.