Zesco Limited

Zesco Limited ZESCO Limited is Zambia’s national electricity utility, wholly owned by the Zambian Government through the IDC.

We generate, transmit, distribute, and supply power nationwide with a total of 15 hydro stations and solar PV plants. The electricity supply in Zambia originated in 1906 when a small thermal station was built in Livingstone to serve a section of the town. Inspite of the Victoria Falls potential, it was not until 1938 that hydro-electric power was first generated at a small station in the third gor

ge below the falls. In the early part of the last century, power development was mainly associated with the Copper mines hence, several independent thermal stations were constructed. This meant that a number of local authorities distributed electricity in their own districts obtaining their supplies in the main from existing power stations. For instance, Livingstone local authorities bought power from the Victoria Falls Electricity Board while Kabwe and the Copperbelt authorities purchased power from the mining companies. The first initiative to coordinate power generation was taken in the early 1950s when at least four stations with a combined 120MW capacity were connected to a central switching station at Kitwe. The next major development was the construction of 220 Kv transmission line in 1956 to connect the Copperbelt power systems with a transmission system in the Shaba Province of the Congo to enable the load growth in the mines to be satisfied by imported hydroelectric power. The most significant development in the electricity supply situation took place between 1956 and 1962 when the Kariba dam and consequently the Kariba South Power Station were constructed. The Kariba South Power Station was owned and operated by Central Africa Power Corporation (CAPCO) which, in turn, was jointly owned by the governments of Southern and Northern Rhodesia ( presently Zimbabwe and Zambia) This development, necessitated the transmission of power lines of 330 Kv to the Copperbelt mines in the north of Northern Rhodesia (Zambia). Intermediate substations at Leopards Hill and Kabwe were also erected. There were also a number of bulk supply centres in Rhodesia giving the 330 Kv system a total length of 2,700 Kilometres. The next major step in making hydro-electric power potential abundant in Central Africa was taken with the construction of Kafue gorge Power Station to be an alternative to the Kariba scheme. Soon after independence in 1964, the Zambian government revived the project and preliminary work began in July 1967. The first generating unit was commissioned in 1971 and the project was completed in 1973. The project had an initial capacity of 600 MW using four units but this was later increased to six units with an installed capacity of 900 MW. Connection to the grid was provided through 330 Kv lines to Leopards Hill Substation. The Victoria Falls power station was built in three phases. The first was done in!938 while the second station was built underground giving an additional 60 MW in 1969. The third station was completed in 1972 providing an installed capacity of 108 MW. In addition to the interconnected transmission system which served the most developed areas in the country ranging from Mongu in the West to Livingstone in the south, Lusaka and Copperbelt in the North, there was need to develop isolated systems in terms of smaller hydro stations at Chishimba falls, Lusiwasi, Lunzua river and Musonda falls. Isolated diesel power stations were also made in various places . Two hydro stations were developed at Mulungushi and Lunsemfwa river to provide reliable power supply for Broken Hill (Kabwe) Copper Mines.

21/06/2026

📍 LUWINGU CUSTOMER SENSITISATIONToday, 20th June 2026, ZESCO conducted a customer sensitisation at Kamumango Market in L...
20/06/2026

📍 LUWINGU CUSTOMER SENSITISATION

Today, 20th June 2026, ZESCO conducted a customer sensitisation at Kamumango Market in Luwingu.

As the cold season sets in, the team raised awareness on the dangers of vandalising electrical infrastructure, promoted safe electricity usage and shared important electrical safety tips for homes and businesses.

The campaign also encouraged customers to use official ZESCO reporting channels for faults, emergencies and service-related concerns, while promoting energy-efficient practices to help manage electricity consumption.

Through such engagements, ZESCO remains committed to empowering communities with knowledge, enhancing customer service and fostering a culture of safety and responsible electricity use.

20/06/2026

Zambia powers ahead on Climate-resilient energy

Zambia’s push to build a climate-resilient energy system and reduce over-dependence on climate-vulnerable hydropower is gaining momentum.

ZESCO in partnership with the private sector are accelerating energy mix diversification, with solar leading the charge and thermal a significant alternative.

In Chikuni, Monze District, Southern Province, the 2.5MW Chikuni Solar Project is rapidly taking shape.

Get a glimpse of how the project is unfolding.

Media Statement For Immediate Release
19/06/2026

Media Statement For Immediate Release

CUSTOMER NOTICE
19/06/2026

CUSTOMER NOTICE

ZESCO Hails Progress on Gouli Thermal Plant as Energy Expansion ContinuesZESCO Limited has intensified site visits to ke...
19/06/2026

ZESCO Hails Progress on Gouli Thermal Plant as Energy Expansion Continues

ZESCO Limited has intensified site visits to key energy infrastructure projects dotted across the country, underscoring its commitment to expanding generation capacity, strengthening grid stability, and improving the reliability of electricity supply nationwide.

Director of Transmission Operations and Trade, Eng. Lioko Sitali, noted that the Gouli Thermal Power Plant is expected to generate 135 MW in Phase One through two units by December 2026, with an additional 135 MW in Phase Two by June 2027, bringing total output to 270MW upon completion of both phases.

The project will be integrated into the national grid as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen system performance, with Zambia’s installed generation capacity currently standing at over 3,800 MW.

Eng. Lioko Sitali emphasized that the coal-fired thermal project is a strategic step in diversifying the country’s energy mix, helping to balance hydropower with thermal and other renewable sources in order to strengthen energy security and ensure a more stable electricity supply.

Gouli Human Resource Manager, Ms Moono Mufaya, stated that beyond power generation, the project is contributing significantly to socio-economic development.

She noted that over 300 employees have been engaged, with the majority drawn from surrounding local communities, reflecting strong local participation and job creation.

She also highlighted that the project is undertaking corporate social responsibility initiatives, including improvements in water and sanitation services aimed at enhancing living conditions in nearby communities.

Chief Operating Officer Fitzpatrick Kapepe disclosed that Gouli Energy has entered into a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ZESCO, under which the utility company will purchase all electricity generated by the plant over a 25-year period.

Mr. Kapepe and other members of the ZESCO Corporate Executive Team expressed satisfaction with the progress of works at the site, noting that the project reflects ZESCO’s commitment to timely infrastructure development, enhanced energy security, and improved power delivery across the country.

ZESCO IS BRINGING POWER CLOSER TO YOU📍 Kazungula District ZESCO recently conducted community sensitisation meetings in M...
18/06/2026

ZESCO IS BRINGING POWER CLOSER TO YOU

📍 Kazungula District
ZESCO recently conducted community sensitisation meetings in Machenje, Chimbinde, and Makalanguzu Villages in Kazungula District to educate residents on how they can access electricity connections easily, legally and affordably through the Sustainable Energy Service Scale-Up and Development (SESSD) Subsidy Connection Programme.

Residents learnt more on:
• The application process for electricity connection under the SESSD Programme
• The required supporting documents for applications
• The dangers and consequences of vandalism, including provisions of the Vandalism Act of 2026
• Practical energy efficiency and electricity-saving tips
• The risks and dangers associated with illegal electricity connections

💡 Get Connected for Only K150!

Eligible households can access an electricity connection at a subsidised fee of only K150 if:
• They reside in the selected villages under the programme
• Their homes are located within 30 metres of an existing ZESCO electricity pole.

📢 Apply Today!

Residents are encouraged to visit their nearest ZESCO office for more information and to submit their applications.

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18/06/2026

It’s Friday! This means your weekly dose of “Waking Up With ZESCO” is on Radio Phoenix FM!⚡🇿🇲

Did you know that solutions to meeting electricity supply, lie in Zambia’s abundant natural resources?

Tune in live to understand the role of thermal (coal) power in our diversified energy mix and what it means for households, job creation, community impact and economic growth for Zambia.

Topic: Turning coal into power! The 600MW Evergreat Thermal Power Plant in Sinzeze District

Guest: Eng. Victor Chisanga, Project Engineer - Evergreat Energy 👷🏾‍♂️

Date: Friday, 19 June 2026 📅

Time: 06:35 Hours ⏰

Only on Radio Phoenix FM 89.5FM📻

Eng. Chisanga will unpack how the 600MW Ever Great Thermal Power Plant will contribute to the 10,000MW goal by 2030 and ZESCO’s commitment to a secure and reliable energy mix for Zambia.

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Great East Road, Stand No. 6949
Lusaka
POBOX33304,LUSAKA,

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+260211361111

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