OUR ENERGY DEFICIT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FORESEEN MANY YEARS AGO
power for the mining, business, and commercial enterprises as well as residential areas.
Zesco has had no choice, given this scenario, but to hopefully evenly and fairly load shed their customers in an effort to keep our homes lit and the wheels of industry turning. It is important for Zesco to strictly adhere to its advertised schedules li e s om does in South frica
It makes it a little easier and more bearable for business enterprises and households to plan. The inconvenient truth is that whichever way one loo s at it, load shedding is a nuisance ust as it is grossly inconvenient o amount of sugar coating can ever describe it any other way
dmittedly, it is not a new phenomenon in Zambia, South frica, Zimbabwe, alawi, igeria and other parts of frica and the world
ach time have been invited out to dinner at homes of some of the most prominent people in agos, bu a or inshasa, have always been struc by the noise of generators everywhere
t is a sign that energy is in very short supply everywhere and answers have not been easy to come by
n the case of Zambia, we have been talking about the problem of energy deficit for many years and we seem to agree that renewable energy is the answer, either from solar, garbage waste or other forms nfortunately, talking alone without taking practical steps is not enough.
We are fortunate that some of our progressive and foresighted companies like Maamba Coal Mine, dola nergy Company and angote, to mention only some, have been involved in generation production, which has supplemented Zesco s efforts
dmittedly, this is not enough if the country is going to continue growing the economy and catering for an ever growing population. We must deliberately do more to attract investment in the renewable energy sector
e have an abundance of sunshine most of the year, which can produce energy for our country in times li e this.
ependence on hydro power is no longer a viable or realistic option in the st century e should plan outside the bo and come up with viable and workable options for the future.
We should also speed up the issue of unbundling
One thing load shedding has taught us has been the need to save energy by not switching on electric appliances and lights we do not need. This public education energy saving campaign must not only be taught to us when we ring Zesco Customer Care lines.
Zesco so that we separate generation from supplying li e many countries have done.
here may be need to provide incentives to local and foreign companies willing to invest in this sector up to a certain number of years
any frican countries li e enya, thiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and others, are now reaping the benefits of attracting investment in the renewable energy sector
One thing load shedding has taught us has been the need to save energy by not switching on electric appliances and lights we do not need his public education energy saving campaign must not only be taught to us when we ring Zesco Customer Care lines his public awareness must become more widespread believe that this is the way forward for our country too