The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) will lose over US$160 million as a result of the power deficit the country is experiencing.
The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) will lose over US$ 160 million as a result of the power deficit the country is experiencing.
Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili said US$ 97 million revenue loss will be as a result of reduced sales to customers and an additional US$ 70 million revenue loss will be due to reduced sales to distribution customers.
The Minister said ZESCO Limited has been directed to revise the load-shedding programme from two to four hours on a daily basis.
He said the programme will be implemented in an equitable manner to ensure that the burden is spread across all areas apart from essential services and operations.
Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister Charles Zulu said climate change has affected the rainfall pattern which has led to low water levels at Kariba dam and the supply of hydro-power in the country.
Mr Zulu explained that the power crisis is beyond ZESCO and the blame game being played by some sectors will not help improve the situation.
He said this at the launch of the Energy week exhibitions ahead of the 89th Agriculture and Commercial show.
Earlier, ZESCO Regional Manager Joseph Chilongo said the power utility company has constituted a crisis management team to educate and inform customers on the power imbalance being experienced in the country.
He said the power outage which is affecting most parts of the country is being regulated as machinery is being repaired.
ZESCO faces US$ 160m loss through load shedding
