ZESCO New Connections 2026: Official Price List and Application Tracker
Introduction
Getting a new electricity connection in Zambia can often feel like a “waiting game.” Many people pay their fees and then spend months wondering where their application has gone.
The good news? In 2026, ZESCO has modernized its Power Application Management System, allowing you to track your file in real-time. Here is everything you need to know about the official fees and how to follow your application from start to finish.
1. Official 2026 Connection Fees
There is a lot of misinformation regarding connection costs, which “fake agents” often use to overcharge customers. Always refer to these Energy Regulation Board (ERB) approved standard fees.
Subsidized Connections (The ASCENT Program)
As of early 2026, the Zambian government, through the ASCENT project (funded by the World Bank), has slashed fees for over 100,000 households in rural and peri-urban areas.
Subsidized Fee: K300 (Reduced from K4,846)
Standard Connection Fees (On-Grid)
If you do not qualify for the subsidy, these are the standard 2026 rates for single-phase connections:
| Area Category | Type | Official Fee (K) |
| High Density | Single Phase Overhead | K3,510 |
| Low Density | Single Phase Overhead | K13,300 |
| Un-demarcated | High Density Areas | K4,846 |
Note: For 3-phase connections or underground cabling, the costs are significantly higher (ranging from K15,000 to over K34,000).
2. How to Track Your Application Status
Once you have submitted your application and received a Reference Number, you don’t need to visit a ZESCO office to get an update.
Step-by-Step Tracking:
Visit the Portal: Go to the ZESCO Power Application Management System.
Enter Details: Click on “Track Power Application” and enter your Reference Number and NRC.
Identify the Stage: The system will show you exactly which department currently holds your file:
Survey Stage: A ZESCO technician is assigned to visit your plot to see how many poles and how much cable is needed.
Quotation Stage: The engineering team is calculating your final cost. Once this is done, you will receive an SMS to collect your quote.
Payment Stage: Your file is waiting for the connection fee to be paid.
Construction/Installation Stage: This is the final step! Your file is with the local depot, and the team is scheduling the actual wiring and meter installation.
3. Avoiding Scams: The “Fake Agent” Alert
ZESCO does not use independent street agents to collect money.
Official Payments: All connection fees must be paid directly at a ZESCO Customer Service Centre or via the official bank accounts listed on your quotation.
The “Skip the Queue” Scam: Be wary of anyone promising to “speed up” your connection for an extra cash fee. These are often scams that result in no connection and lost money.
