Energy Minister Briefs Nation on Government Plans to Address Energy Crisis

Minister of Energy Hon. Makozo Chikote MP updated citizens on Thursday morning about the evolving energy situation in the country and government’s efforts to tackle the electricity shortage brought about by an unprecedented period of drought.  

Speaking to media at the head office of the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) in Lusaka, Hon. Chikote commended the Zambian people for their patience and resilience during this difficult period and said that he understood their frustrations.

He explained that the current levels of load shedding are the result of the ongoing drought, which has severely depleted the output from Zambia’s hydroelectric power plants, on which the country depends for most of its electricity. The country is currently experiencing a power deficit of 736 megawatts.

Hon. Chikote assured citizens that “the New Dawn government is developing and implementing key sustainable measures to respond to this energy crisis”.  

The minister appeared at the briefing alongside Minister of Information Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa MP, Minister of Water Sanitation Hon. Collins Nzovu MP, and Minister of Green Economy and the Environment Hon. Mike Mposha MP. Also present were representatives from the ERB, the Zambezi River Authority, and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA).

He explained that this session was the first in a series of weekly briefings to inform the Zambian people about how their government is working to address the energy crisis. These briefings will be broadcast at 09:00 every Thursday on ZNBC 1 and livestreamed via the Ministry of Information’s Facebook page.

During the briefing Hon. Chikote outlined the following measures which the government is taking to tackle the energy crisis and make Zambia’s energy sector more secure and resilient in the long-term.

1.    Recalling electricity exports

  • Government is working with ZESCO to reduce the amount of electricity which Zambia exports to neighbouring countries.

  • As of 30th June, Zambia has recalled 260 megawatts out of a total 500 megawatts from the export market. 

2.    Optimizing the timing of power imports

  • Government is continuing to import electricity from the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) and Mozambique. Total national energy imports currently stand at 409 megawatts.

  • Government is working with ZESCO to ensure that the timing of these electricity imports align closely with peak periods of industrial activity, so that power is not wasted and the economy continues to function efficiently.

3.    Increasing the supply of electricity to the grid

  • The ERB is now approving new power purchase agreements (PPA) within 48 hours, allowing new energy producers to feed into the national grid at an increased rate. 

  • For example, First Quantum Minerals Ltd is now importing its own power from Mozambique to sustain its mining operations. Normally this process would take up to 90 days.

4.    Deploying diesel generators

  • ZESCO is installing diesel electricity generators at essential institutions across the country, including markets, healthcare facilities, and selected schools.

5.    Accelerating private investment in new energy

  • Maamba Collieries has this month received sufficient financing to develop an additional 300 megawatts coal power plant, increasing total capacity to 600 megawatts by mid-2025.

  • More gas cooking equipment has been exempted from VAT and customs duty.

  • Government has approved the Electricity Open Access Statutory Instrument to allow private energy providers to feed into the grid and will be publishing rules and guidelines in the coming weeks.

6.    Encourage a ‘solar explosion’ of rooftop power panels

  • Government is encouraging citizens to fit solar panels to power private buildings where possible in order to create a ‘solar explosion’ of new, clean energy.

  • Government has removed import duty and VAT on solar equipment for domestic or non-commercial use. Citizens who choose to fit solar equipment will only need to sign a self-declaration form at the port of entry.

  • Under new net metering regulations, citizens who generate their own electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind can now input excess energy into the national grid and receive monetary credit. Government will soon publish rules for participation for electricity customers to start producing their own power by 1st August.    

  • Government is also undertaking feasibility assessments for fitting public buildings with their own solar power supply systems.

7.    Achieving long-term energy security

  • REA is set to complete 15 new mini grids before the end of 2024 – up from 12 which are currently operational. This will diversify the country’s energy mix and provide energy to more of the rural population.

  • REA is working with the private sector to develop 105 sites for solar mini grids to power homes, schools, and hospitals. 

  • Between them, REA and ZESCO have deployed 3,600 smart meters across the country, ensuring that customers only use the power they need. The authorities aim to deploy a combined 24,500 smart meters nationwide by the end of the year.

8.    Reducing unnecessary usage

  • Government and ZESCO are informing citizens about how they can cut back their electricity usage, helping to reduce load-shedding and keep energy bills down. Remember: Switch to Save.

  • Tips for reducing electricity consumption include:

    • Use gas for cooking and heating

    • Switch off any appliances that are not in use (e.g. lightbulbs).

    • Use solar or wind energy where possible. 

This article originally appeared on the Presidential Delivery Unit.

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