Zambia: Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) has announced that it will continue to export power to other countries. The decision came despite the power shortage the country has been facing due to the drought.
In a previous update, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation claimed that they would start loadshedding initiative. The aim of the initiative is to ensure that the energy shortage in the country can not affect the people.
The Loadshedding initiative was announced by the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema. He claimed that the drought situation has led to decrease in the country’s energy production.
He noted that Zambia is expected to have a shortfall of shortage of energy ranging between 450 and 500 megawats due to low water levels.
During his recent address when he declared the current drought as a national disaster and emergency, President Hakainde Hichilema stated that the Country will begin scheduled electricity rationing.
Meanwhile, Managing Director, Victor Mapani has disclosed that the entity will continue with its contractual obligations. They will continue to export power despite the looming deficit in the Country.
Managing Director of ZESCO, Mapani made the statement in Mazabuka on Tuesday. The initiative came shortly after the signing of the Power Supply Agreement with Zambia Sugar.
He stated that ZESCO will continue exporting 28 percent of the electricity that they produce. He claimed that the export bills translate to 40% of the institution’s revenue.
Mapani added that halting power exports may result in huge disturbances to the local economy. The electricity company made the decision considering the income generated from the undertaking.
He, nevertheless also announced that ZESCO will also import power from countries in order to mitigate loadshedding. The authorities are working hard to ensure that the people of the country do not face too much inconvenience due to the load shedding. ZESCO announced
ZESCO announced the loadshedding initiative for the country earlier this week. They also announced that they would increase the electricity tariffs.