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Local commercial and industrial energy users are operating in a more complex power environment shaped by rising demand, grid constraints, changing market rules and pressure to secure reliable, affordable electricity.
For manufacturers, mines and other large energy users, the challenge is no longer simply whether to diversify their energy supply. The focus is now on how to combine utility power, electricity traders, embedded generation, storage and regional markets in ways that protect operations and support long-term growth.
These priorities will be explored at the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia, created by VUKA Group and taking place at the end of September 2026 in Lusaka.
According to the summit curators, liberalising the electricity market could create new procurement opportunities for large users, but implementation will determine whether these options deliver greater energy security.
In addition, VUKA Group says open access, wheeling frameworks, tariff design, grid access and transmission capacity will all influence how quickly businesses can secure electricity from alternative suppliers.
Senior representatives from ZESCO, the Energy Regulation Board and Copperbelt Energy Corporation are expected to contribute to discussions on market reform, grid investment and the changing role of utilities.
Confirmed speakers include Emmanuel Kanchebele of the Association of Power Companies, economist and public policy analyst Kelvin Chisanga, Nyankutowa M. Chilanga of Chilanga Cement, Muntanga Lindunda of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers, and Dr Chilala Kakoma-Boma of the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre.
The country’s mining sector will also be central to the discussion. Mining and industrial operations require stable, high-volume electricity supply, making reliability a commercial and operational priority.
Large energy users are increasingly considering how utility supply can be supported by traders, self-generation, storage and regional power markets.
These options can improve resilience, but they also introduce regulatory, technical and contractual risks that need to be managed carefully.
Meanwhile the discussions at the seminar will also examine lender requirements, off-taker creditworthiness, PPA structures, guarantees, insurance and financing models for hybrid solar and battery storage projects.
Energy efficiency will also feature prominently. Industrial and commercial users can reduce exposure to rising electricity costs through process optimisation, digital monitoring, energy management systems and targeted efficiency investments.
