ZESCO Units Calculator

ZESCO residential prepaid tariffs for 2026: 0–100 units at ZMW 0.42/unit, 100–200 units at ZMW 1.19/unit, 200–400 units at ZMW 2.89/unit, above 400 units at ZMW 4.12/unit. Higher consumption moves into more expensive bands progressively.

The cost per unit depends on your total monthly consumption. The first 100 units cost ZMW 0.42 each. Above 400 units the rate rises to ZMW 4.12 per unit. ZESCO uses a progressive block tariff — buying more units pushes higher consumption into more expensive bands.

ZESCO charges electricity in consumption blocks. Each block has its own rate per unit (kWh). When you buy tokens, the cost is calculated band by band — the first block at the lowest rate, then successive blocks at higher rates. The total cost is the sum across all bands consumed.

A low-consumption household (lights, phone charging, small TV) uses around 50–100 units/month. A medium household with a fridge and a few appliances typically uses 150–300 units. High-consumption homes with air conditioning or geysers can exceed 400 units and reach the highest tariff band.

Residential ZESCO prepaid electricity is currently zero-rated for VAT and excise duty. The tariff rates shown are the all-inclusive cost per unit - no additional tax is added on top for residential customers.

The first 100 units cost just ZMW 0.42 per unit - the cheapest band. This is a lifeline tariff designed to keep basic electricity affordable. Once you exceed 100 units in a month, additional units are billed at higher rates.

Example: Buying 250 units. First 100 units at K0.42 = K42.00. Next 100 units at K1.19 = K119.00. Remaining 50 units at K2.89 = K144.50. Total = K305.50.

A typical 1.5HP split AC uses about 1.1 kW. Running it 8 hours daily = ~264 units/month. At current tariff bands, that costs approximately K345.96 just for the AC - placing you well into the third tariff band.