(Ecofin Agency) - The Consumers association of Malawi requested from the national court, an injunction regarding the decision of Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) and Electricity Supply Corpporation of Malawi (Escom), to increase, for the second time in two months, the tariffs of electricity. Cama’s lawyers asked the court to suspend the decision until it is reviewed.

“We are seeking an injunction before any tariffs increase in order for the two institutions to explain to Malawians the reason behind the current tariff increases that do not make sense to the ordinary Malawian,” Cama’s executive director John Kapito told the Nyasa Times.

Last December, Mera increased by 6.6% the electricity tariffs from $0.06 to $0.08 per kilowatt-hour. This increase is the second within a month, after a previous one of 13.7%.

According to Cama’s executive director, there is no reason behind the hike especially since Escom fails to efficiently supply power to the country as continued blackouts are experienced.

Gwladys Johnson