‘We have no business with you’ ZESCO tells court to dismiss PF petitioner challenging load-shedding

ZESCO has dismissed a legal challenge by Patriotic Front (PF) member, Chanoda Ngwira, asserting he lacks the legal standing to oppose the utility’s load-shedding measures.

In its response, ZESCO advised Ngwira to explore alternative power suppliers if dissatisfied with their service.

The utility clarified that Ngwira’s address in Kamutepa Village had been without a ZESCO power supply since 2015, rendering his petition baseless.

ZESCO highlighted that it was not Zambia’s sole electricity provider, noting 13 licensed electricity generators and over 300 companies in the renewable energy sector, suggesting Ngwira was free to contract with any of these alternatives.

Ngwira’s petition, filed in the Lusaka High Court, challenges the government’s recent load-shedding practices, alleging they are unlawful and violate citizens’ constitutional rights to life under Articles 11(1) and 12.

He seeks a court declaration to affirm the illegality of the electricity cuts.

In response, ZESCO filed an affidavit seeking the court’s dismissal of Ngwira’s case.

Boniface Moonze, ZESCO’s Customer Compliance Manager, argued that Ngwira had no contractual relationship with ZESCO, as he provided no documentation demonstrating a supply agreement. A search of ZESCO’s customer database found no contract for Ngwira’s address or any property in Zambia, he said.

The utility further asserted that Ngwira’s continued criticism of load-shedding, even after a September 8, 2024, statement by the President aimed at addressing public concerns, reflects the “frivolous nature” of his claims.

ZESCO labeled the petition as “hopeless, frivolous, and vexatious,” arguing it constitutes an abuse of the court process.

Meanwhile, effective November 6, 2024, ZESCO Limited has introduced a revised power rationing schedule, ensuring a consistent seven-hour power supply each day.

The move is aimed at enhancing service reliability through optimised power imports and increased contributions from Independent Power Producers.

In a statement, ZESCO Spokesperson, Matongo Maumbi, noted that while the company intended to maintain the new schedule, variations may occur due to power import constraints or other unforeseen issues.

In such cases, ZESCO would issue real-time updates via SMS, Facebook and other channels.

Customers experiencing outages exceeding 24 hours are encouraged to report them immediately, as these may indicate technical issues requiring urgent response.

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