Lusaka, Zambia – The Zambian government has announced a drastic increase in power rationing, extending load shedding to 17 hours per day starting September 1, 2024. This decision comes in response to a severe power deficit exacerbated by critically low water levels at the Kariba Dam.
Energy Minister Makoze Chikote revealed the alarming state of Zambia’s power generation capacity during a press conference this morning. Currently, the country’s power generation stands at an average of 890 megawatts, significantly lower than the total installed capacity of 3,777 megawatts. With a national peak demand of 2,400 megawatts, there is a substantial power deficit of 1,510 megawatts.
The situation has led ZESCO, the national power utility, to import 496 megawatts from regional suppliers, leaving a net deficit of 1,014 megawatts. This deficit has already resulted in over 12 hours of load shedding nationwide.
The Kariba Dam, a key source of hydroelectric power, is particularly affected, holding only 10 percent of usable water for power generation. Minister Chikote explained that the dwindling water levels at Kariba, combined with high utilization rates, have critically impaired power generation capabilities.
In addition to the water shortage, scheduled maintenance at the Maamba Collieries Power Station will further reduce power supply by 135 megawatts in September. This combination of factors is expected to exacerbate the power deficit, potentially reducing power output by an additional 300 megawatts.
“The nation is now informed that the official power rationing hours will extend to 17 hours daily effective September 1, 2024,” Chikote announced. He acknowledged the severity of the situation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and honest communication.
To mitigate the impact, the government is negotiating additional power imports from the Southern African Power Pool. Currently, 168 megawatts have been secured from South Africa’s ESKOM, with an additional 50 megawatts expected by August 21.
Minister Chikote also addressed the financial strain on ZESCO, noting that current tariffs are unsustainable. “ZESCO is importing power at 12.6 cents and offering it to the Zambian market at a giveaway price of 4.1 cents. This pricing gap is unsustainable,” he stated, likening the situation to selling a shirt worth $2,000 for only $500.
The government is consulting stakeholders to develop a tariff mechanism that allows ZESCO to recover costs during this period of drought. Chikote assured that the needs of low-income households will be considered in the tariff review process.
The extended load shedding is expected to significantly impact households and businesses across Zambia, underscoring the urgent need for long-term solutions to the country’s energy challenges.
