ZescoBegins Importing Electricityto Mitigate Power Shortages in Zambia

Zesco, Zambia's power utility, has started importing electricity to supplement the national power supply and address ongoing power shortages caused by the current drought. The imported electricity will make up 20% of Zambia's total power supply for at least the next 12 months.

Why this matters: The decision to import electricity highlights the urgent need for African countries to diversify their energy sources and adapt to climate change, which is increasingly affecting regional power supplies. As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, the success of Zambia's initiative will have implications for other countries facing similar challenges.

However, the additional power from external sources may lead to some unforeseen disruptions to Zesco's existing load-shedding schedules. Matongo Maumbi, a spokesperson for Zesco, cautioned that"While ZESCO will strive to maintain existing load-shedding schedules, there is a possibility of unforeseen disruptions due to the imported power source. "He added that the utility will work to mitigate any suchdisruptionsas quickly as possible.

Maumbi emphasized Zesco's commitment to providing its customers with stable and reliable electricity, stating, "Zesco understands the importance of reliable electricity and sincerely regrets any inconvenience these potential disruptions may cause." The statement from Zesco was released on Wednesday.

Zambia, like many countries in the region, has been grappling with power shortages in recent years due to a combination of factors including drought, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand. The country relies heavily onhydropower, which has been adversely affected by reduced rainfall and water levels in key reservoirs.

In response, the government and Zesco have been exploring various options to diversify the country's energy mix and increase power generation capacity. This includes developing solar and wind power projects, as well as interconnection agreements with neighboring countries to facilitate powerimportsand exports.

The decision to import electricity marks a significant step in Zambia's efforts to address its power deficit and ensure a more stable supply for households and businesses. As the country continues to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and growing energy demand, the success of thisinitiativewill be closely watched by stakeholders across the power sector.

Key Takeaways

• Zesco imports electricity to supplement Zambia's power supply due to drought.
• Imported power will make up 20% of Zambia's total supply for at least 12 months.
• Decision highlights need for African countries to diversify energy sources.
• Imported power may cause unforeseen disruptions to load-shedding schedules.
• Zesco aims to mitigate disruptions and provide stable electricity to customers.