ZESCO has announced an increase in load management hours from the current 14 hours per day to 17 hours per day, beginning September 1st. This adjustment is necessitated by the continued decline in water levels at the Kariba Dam, which now holds only 10 percent of its usable water for power generation.
During a press briefing in Lusaka, Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote expressed grave concern over the situation. “The water levels at our national reservoirs are alarmingly low. The Kariba Dam currently holds just 10 percent of its usable water for power generation, which is insufficient to meet the country’s high energy demand,” he stated.
Mr. Chikote explained that due to ZESCO’s impending water allocation issues at Kariba, the power deficit is expected to rise by 300 megawatts. Additionally, the schedule at Maamba is anticipated to create a further 135-megawatt deficit in September.
“In light of these challenges, it has become necessary to extend the current power rationing hours, particularly for residential customers. As of last week, ZESCO reported that load shedding was lasting 14 hours per day. Therefore, we are informing the nation that the official load shedding hours will be extended to 17 hours per day, effective September 1st, 2024,” he said.
However, Mr. Chikote reassured the public that the government, through ZESCO, is actively seeking additional power supplies from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). He noted that 168 megawatts have already been secured from Eskom in South Africa, and negotiations are ongoing to obtain an additional 50 megawatts from SAPP.