Electricity crisis takes disastrous turn as ZESCO announces 17 hours power rationing daily

ZESCO has announced an increase in daily power rationing from 14 to 17 hours, effective September 1, 2024.

Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, explained that this decision was prompted by the imminent depletion of ZESCO’s water allocation at Kariba Dam, expected to result in a 300-megawatt shortfall.

Speaking in Lusaka on Friday during a media briefing on the energy situation, Chikote further noted that scheduled maintenance at Maamba Collieries in September 2024 was anticipated to create an additional 135-megawatt deficit.

“Given these factors, it is necessary to extend the current power rationing hours, particularly for residential customers,” Chikote stated.

He confirmed that the extension would take effect on September 1, 2024.

“The nation is now informed that the official power rationing hours will extend to 17 hours daily,” he reiterated.

Chikote highlighted that the country’s power generation capacity was currently averaging 890 megawatts, compared to a total installed generation capacity of 3,777 megawatts.

“The national average peak demand remains at 2,400 megawatts, resulting in a power deficit of 1,510 megawatts,” he said.

To mitigate the deficit, ZESCO and other traders are importing 496 megawatts of electricity from the region, but this still leaves a net deficit of 1,014 megawatts, necessitating more than 12 hours of power rationing across the country.

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