Electricity tariffs punitive, says Cama

The Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) has described the current electricity tariffs in the country as punitive to consumers whose levels of incomes are one of the lowest in the Sadc region.

Cama has blamed the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) for continuing to raise the electricity tariffs without providing consumers with the agreed Performance Targets (PT) which form the basis of any tariff increase.

“We find the continued tariff increases unacceptable and unfair in the absence of providing consumers with such performance indicators that are a key determinant of any electricity tariffs adjustment,” said Cama executive director John Kapito in a statement on Tuesday, adding:

“Cama is, therefore, demanding an explanation from Mera which has been approving the current electricity increases at a time when consumers are experiencing frequent blackouts, and when most Malawians are failing to be connected while at the same time electricity tariffs are unaffordable.”

Kapito was reacting to a story in The Nation of September 10, which suggested that Cama is not ready to act on consumer’s outcry with regard to increasing electricity tariffs in this country.

Kapito said Cama is currently conducting awareness campaigns on the use of energy saver bulbs given the high tariffs and providing consumers with tips on energy efficiency.

He said this does not mean that Cama accepts the current high tariffs, but feels that it is a moral obligation to provide consumers with alternatives.