ZESCO Boosts Power Supply Reliability with Recent Developments
In a promising turn of events for energy consumers in Zambia, ZESCO has announced that it will significantly enhance the reliability and consistency of its energy supply, starting from Wednesday. This improvement coincides with the resumption of full operations at Maamba Energy, marking a critical step in the country’s efforts to tackle energy shortages that have occasionally led to load shedding.
According to ZESCO’s Transmission Operations and Trade Director, Justin Loongo, the utility company has secured an impressive 400 megawatts of power imports during both off-peak and standard times. This strategic move aims to ensure that the power supply remains stable even during peak demand periods. “However,” Loongo cautions, “the availability of imported power during peak times entirely depends on the circumstances, as countries typically aim to prioritize their domestic energy needs in peak situations.”
In an interesting turn, ZESCO has also submitted a fresh application to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) for an emergency tariff adjustment. As part of this initiative, ZESCO’s Head of Business Development, Fitzpatrick Kapepe, revealed that the proposal includes reducing electricity tariffs for customers consuming below 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Kapepe noted, “Currently, for the first 100 kWh, customers pay 44 Kwacha; we’re proposing a reduction to 35 Kwacha, representing a 20% decrease.” This move is anticipated to significantly ease the financial burden for many households.
The decision to lower tariffs particularly benefits low-income earners, with Kapepe emphasizing the objective of offering relief to those most affected by escalating electricity costs. For customers consuming between 100-200 kWh, they can look forward to substantial reductions in their bills as well.
In summary, the recent developments at ZESCO not only promise to enhance electricity supply but also aim to foster a more inclusive approach by providing economic relief to those in greater need. The strides made by ZESCO showcase the company’s dedication to improving the energy landscape in Zambia and ensuring that every citizen can enjoy access to reliable and affordable power.
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