The government says approval has been granted for the importation of between 100 to 200 megawatts of power from Electricidade de Mocambique (EDM).
Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu who is acting as Energy Minister said the government also intends to start the importation of power from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) market of up to 80 megawatts.
Mr Nzovu speaking during a press briefing today in Lusaka said the interventions have been put in place to mitigate the effects of powercuts on the economy.
He said ZESCO is also working on the restoration of the 10 megawatts Unit at the victory falls power station which is expected to be online by February 1, 2023.
“Restoration of Maamba Collieries Limited 150 Megawatt generation unit which were scheduled for maintenance from 4 to 20 January 2023 were completed ahead of schedule on January 17, 2023,” he added.
He went on to state that the commissioning of unit number 5 at Kafue Gorge lower hydro power station KGLHPS) has also advanced and is expected to be completed by the end of March 2023.
Meanwhile, Mr Nzovu has disclosed that the country has adequate stocks of petroleum products.
“As at January 30,2023, diesel stocks stood at 56.6 million litres which is adequate for 17 days of consumption whilst the stocks of petrol amounted to 16.8million litres which is adequate for 12 days of consumption,” the Minister said.
He has since assured the public that the fuel situation in the nation is stable as it has adequate stocks of petrol and other petroleum products.
Mr Nzovu noted that as of January 30, 2023, Oil marketing Companies had imported 86.1million liters of diesel and 31 million liters of petrol.
He said the Ministry of Energy will monitor the fuel imports so as to ensure security supply of petroleum products.
“It was observed in the past weeks some service stations do not have petrol after a survey was undertaken in selected service stations across the country on January 29, 2023,out of the hundred and eight-four (184) sites inspected,” Mr Nzovu noted.
He pointed out that of 144 service stations, 78 of the total number of sites inspected were found to be fully stocked with both diesel and Petrol products.
Mr Nzovu further noted that 38 service stations of the total number of sites inspected were found to have no petrol.
Fuseke power cuts are even affecting us who live in high class areas. This govt has failed
You are meanwhile exporting power. This government has no shame!!!
You start by exporting now you’re importing the same power…help me understand the logic…..these guys are Jokers
I just did the calculations fuel is expensive in Zambia than here in the USA
Export the commodity and reimport the commodity. Loadshedding was almost ended where we’re coming from. What is the equation now?
Very strange way of handling the country’s problems on load shedding. Surely is the best that our intellectuals in our grz can do. If it is then it gives us citizens less hope of better days in this country.
That’s why Zesco has increased the tariffs to offset the cost of importing power.
The president didn’t consult his experts on the exporting power. He was alarmed when he saw the magnitude of loadshedding which followed. Solution? Import power to replace what we’re exporting. This should be included in our college syllabus for future studies Export to Import.
Appreciate the Economic-ENERGY-SocioPolitical nexus. Understand that robust energy planning & strategic sourcing is a TO-DO and not an optional college course. I would posit that Energy Security (abundant, available & affordable Electricity & Fossil Fuels) is the panacea to the many woes the Country is facing. Just get the act right; whether to import electricity or locally source from IPPs and Returned-To-Service Utility facilities, hold strategy fuel reserves of atleast 60days Consumption or allow artificial shortage/hoarding, Lead from the front as Policy makers and Programme actors, do not just leave OMCs to their own devices, promote energy efficiency , democratise and allow for local actors’ participation, and create an enabling environment (legal, regulatory, etc).