Following the disappointment towards the 10% electricity tariff hike implemented by  the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom), the  Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Environment called on Escom and Mera for an explanation.

The committee’s chairperson Werani Chilenga demanded an apology from Escom, for side-lining the committee on the matter and advised the power supplier to rescind the implementation of the new tariff. “We are not telling them to rescind the decision only because they did not involve us but that they should go by what we agreed with Mera, to put on hold the tariff increase because we are in a very difficult situation,” Chilenga said.

Mera Board Chairperson, Leonnard Chikadya, said the energy regulator only acted on a proposal from Escom and that there were no formal submissions attached to the proposal about impending issues it had with Parliament. Escom says it will adhere to the direction to rescind the implementation, after Mera mandates.