By Jane Chanda
Energy minister Makozo Chikote has told Zambians that government is committed towards ensuring that they have three hours of electricity daily.
Updating the country on the energy situation, Chikote acknowledged the varying hours of loadshedding n different regions.
He said load shedding varied from place to place.
The minister attributed this to circumstances beyond the government’s control but assured citizens that stability will be achieved starting October.
Chikote further addressed concerns about regional investment saying, government is planning to make sure that investments were made in terms of hydro plants in the Northern region, and that studies were underway for hydro plant development on the Luapula River and Kalungushi site.
Chikote said.the government was exploring various energy solutions to address the current crisis, including geothermal, solar, and wind energy.
On regional cooperation, Chikote mentioned collaboration with the Democratic Republic of Congo to develop the Luapula River hydro power project.
But Chikote was reminded about the planned 17 hours of load shedding which he announced earlier but instead straightaway effected the 21 hours loadshedding. Responding, Chikote said initially the government had planned for 17 hours of load shedding, but due to circumstances beyond their control, it went up to 21-22 hours.
He claimed that stability will be achieved this October.
Zesco managing director Victor Mapani said Zambia’s current power production stood at 1087 megawatts, with demand around 2400 megawatts during normal times.
“The true demand will only be seen when we zero out load shedding,” he said.
On geothermal energy, Mapani said Zesco had engaged experts from Kenya to explore its potential.
He added that zambia sat on the same geothermal geographical map as Kenya and Tanzania.
When asked about solar energy, Mapani said, “solar technology generated power even with diffused sunlight, if properly installed.”
Mapani also reveled plans to develop hydro plants in the Luapula River and Kalungushi site saying that funds have been secured for the Kalungushi hydro power scheme.
“For Kalungushi, we have engaged partners, and funds have been secured,” he said.
Energy Regulation Board chaiperson James Banda confirmed receipt of Zesco’s renewed application for tariff adjustments, saying they would review it through hybrid meetings held in person or via the online platforms and expected to provide a response by next week.
Banda said the three-month review period for emergency tariffs, “the utility can make an application for an emergency tariff, and the tariff will last for the period we state.
Regarding solar pricing regulation, Banda said, “we will work to ensure solar equipment prices are regulated, preventing companies from taking advantage of consumers.”
