By PETER SICHALI
LOADSHEDDING is expected to reduce to zero by next week once equipment which was under maintenance is fully restored and Independent Power Producers start supply at full capacity, Zesco has said.
Zesco Public Relations Manager, John Kunda however said customers would still experience minimal power cuts of not more than two hours at some instances as the power utility company balances supply.
Dr Kunda said the weather-induced power deficit of 2019 (WIPOD-19) is expected to reduce to zero.
“As we revert to full capacity sometime next week, we expect load shedding to reduce to zero. Of course there will be some days when power cuts will be effected but these will be minimal maybe for two to three hours because clients will not even feel anything as on most days power will be there,” he said.
Dr Kunda also said the reduced load shedding would be as a result of the significant improvement in rainfall and subsequent positive inflows into the reservoirs, leading to an increase in power generation.
“As you may be aware, the power deficit experienced last year was a result of water shortage (drought) to drive our hydro-power stations. This was dubbed the “Weather-Induced Power Deficit of 2019 (WIPOD-19),” Dr Kunda said.
He said customers will experience consistent electricity supply except during peak hours when supply maybe interrupted to protect the system.
Meanwhile, Zesco customers are happy with consistent power supply by the power utility company.
One of the customers, Ms Jane Manika said the constant power supply by Zesco will boost business that depend on electricity.
Ms Manika of Lusaka’s Thorn Park area said the consistent power supply will boost small businesses that depend of electricity.
“We are happy with constant electricity supply by Zesco, this will help businesses that depend on electricity to grow,” Ms Manika said. Dr Kunda said the positive sentiments of the customers are indicative of the efforts that Zesco has put in place to ensure that customers enjoy the full benefits of the available power.
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