In a bid to promote widespread access to clean energy and curb charcoal usage, environmental activists advocate for a duty waiver on electrical cooking appliances. Peter Sandula, Program Manager at the Center for Environmental Policy and Advocacy, underscores the importance of transitioning households with electricity access away from traditional biomass energy sources like charcoal. The Ministry of Energy is reportedly in discussions with the Ministry of Finance to implement a duty waiver on electronic cooking appliances. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption of e-cooking systems, which offer a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative. Joseph Kalowekamo, Director of Energy Services in the Ministry of Energy, revealed this development during the launch of the e-cooking roadmap. The roadmap outlines a transition from biomass energy to electricity, emphasizing its affordability and environmental benefits. "While approximately 14 percent of Malawian households have access to electricity, many still rely on biomass energy such as charcoal and firewood," Kalowekamo noted. "However, our assessments demonstrate that electricity is a more affordable option." Kalowekamo stressed the importance of transitioning households to electricity and discussed plans to reduce or eliminate taxes on appliances to make them more accessible. Peter Sandula expressed support for this initiative, highlighting electricity's cleanliness and affordability. He emphasized the need for awareness campaigns to educate the public about the advantages of electricity over traditional fuels like charcoal and wood. Sandula acknowledged that while not every household has access to electricity, alternatives like gas, briquettes, and improved cookstoves can help reduce reliance on charcoal. He urged careful management of newly planted trees to combat deforestation, citing the impact of climate change on Malawi, including recent events like Cyclone Freddy and ongoing heatwaves. Efforts to promote access to clean energy through initiatives such as duty waivers on electric appliances are crucial steps toward mitigating climate change and preserving Malawi's natural resources.