07/01/2025
Loadshedding to continue despite increased rains – Zesco
ZESCO has watered down expectations of improved electricity supply as a result of the rising water level in Lake Kariba, the country’s major source of hydro produced electricity.
Following the recent steady rainfall, the water level at Lake Kariba has shown a slight increase, rising to 475.87 meters, as revealed by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).
This has given hope among many Zambians that electricity supply will increase, but Zesco has thrown in a caution.
“While this is a positive development from the minimum operational level of 475.50 meters, it remains significantly below last year's levels of 477.28 meters, and the reservoir's usable storage is still critically low.
“ZRA data shows that usable storage at the reservoir is critically low at just 2.61%, compared to 12.32% at this time last year. While the rising water level is encouraging, the amount of water available for hydropower generation remains insufficient for sustainable operations, especially given the unpredictable nature of regional rainfall patterns,” Zesco spokesperson Matongo Maumbi said in a statement.
Mr Maumbi said ZESCO recognizes the challenges that loadshedding has posed to households, businesses, and the economy, but it has an obligation to safeguard equipment at the Kariba power station.
“Our primary responsibility is to safeguard the long-term functionality of Lake Kariba as a critical electricity resource. Increasing power generation prematurely could exhaust the reservoir further, leaving the nation vulnerable if the rain does not continue.
“For this reason, we are maintaining current reduced generation levels while closely monitoring water levels and rainfall patterns. This cautious approach is essential to ensuring a stable electricity supply for the future,” he said.
