By Chinoyi Chipulu
ZESCO Limited says the company has lost 150 Megawatts of power due to a technical fault at Maamba Energy Limited (MEL).
In a statement, Zesco spokesperson Matongo Maumbi stated that MEL was working diligently to complete the corrective maintenance and restore normal generation as soon as possible.
Maumbi stated that the fault would be repaired within a week.
“Due to an unforeseen technical fault, MEL, an Independent Power Producer (IPP), has had to undertake corrective maintenance on one of its two generators. This has resulted in the temporary reduction of the available national power generation by 150 Megawatts,” he stated.
Maumbi stated that the utility company would strive to maintain the three-hour supply schedule in residential areas during this time of a significant power supply shortfall by optimising the power imports in collaboration with some Power traders and ramping up availability from the other Independent Power Producers, where possible.
“The maintenance is expected to last from October 20 to 27, 2024, reducing the available power generation capacity during this period MEL is working diligently to complete the corrective maintenance and restore normal generation as soon as possible. ZESCO is collaborating closely with all partners to minimise disruptions and ensure a timely return to normal operations,” he stated.
Zesco has since appealed to all of its valued customers to continue practicing energy efficiency during this period.
