Load Shedding Increases As Customers Stay At Home

Zesco has announced load shedding of up to 15 hours per day following a fault at one of its suppliers.

According to a press release dated April 8th “Zesco Limited wishes to inform its esteemed customers and the general public that there will be a reduction in power supply country-wide for a period of ten (10) days starting 8th April 2020, due to loss of supply of 132MW from one of the independent power producers resulting from a fault in one of the generating units.”

“The maintenance works will result in longer hours of load shedding of up to 15 hours per day. “It should be noted that this additional load shedding has become essential in order to protect the power system from collapse and to ensure that the available power is distributed equitably to all out customers.” “ the statement continues.

The company’s Public Relations Manager Hazel Zulu appeals to customers to employ energy efficiency and conservation initiatives in order to reduce their consumption of electricity, for example by switching off lights and electrical appliances when not in use. She also recommends considering the use of gas for cooking and solar for lighting.

The announcement has drawn criticism given that many are now trying to work from home in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19, as well as some schools offering lessons online.