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ZESCO Units Calculator
Convert between Kwacha spend and electricity units at current tariff bands.
Enter your usage
Type your monthly spend or units consumed to see the ZESCO tariff breakdown.
ZESCO Tariff Guide
2026 Residential Tariff Bands
| Tariff Band | Rate per Unit |
|---|---|
| R1 · 0 – 100 kWh | K 0.42/unit |
| R2 · 100 – 200 kWh | K 1.19/unit |
| R3 · 200 – 400 kWh | K 2.89/unit |
| R4 · Above 400 kWh | K 4.12/unit |
How ZESCO Billing Works
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ZESCO electricity tariff bands in Zambia for 2026?
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.
How much does 1 unit of ZESCO electricity cost?
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.
How does the ZESCO prepaid block tariff work?
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.
I already bought ZESCO units this month - does my next top-up cost more?
Yes. ZESCO tariff bands are cumulative per calendar month, not per purchase. Units already bought this month count toward your band, so a later top-up can start in a more expensive block. For example, if you have already used 100 units this month, your next purchase begins in the second band - not the lifeline rate. Add your previous purchases (in Kwacha or units) above to see the correct price.
How many ZESCO units does a typical Zambian household use per month?
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.
Does ZESCO charge VAT on electricity in Zambia?
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.
What is the cheapest ZESCO tariff band?
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.
How much does ZESCO electricity cost? Show me an example.
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.
How many ZESCO units can I get for K500 in 2026?
With K500, the first 100 units cost K42.00, next 100 units cost K119.00. The remaining K339.00 buys 117 more units at K2.89/unit. Total: approximately 317 units.
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner on ZESCO?
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.
Is the Zambia ZESCO Tariffs 2026 available as a PDF?
Yes. ZESCO prepaid electricity tariff bands - the price per unit at each monthly consumption level. Download the free PDF to save, print or share.
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Sources
Zamcalc results are estimates only. Figures are based on rates published by official sources. Verify with the relevant authority or a licensed professional before taking any action. Zamcalc is not liable for decisions based on these figures.
