Zesco starts 15-day emergency load shedding

THE country would effectively today experience a 15-day emergency load management to facilitate maintenance works on two generating units at Kafue Gorge Upper (KGU) and Kariba North Bank (KNB) Power Stations, says Zesco Limited.

Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, John Kunda said the emergency maintenance works on two generating units would lead to a loss of approximately 160 megawatts ( MW) of the generation capacity.

Dr. Kunda said in a statement that the emergency maintenance works being carried out are urgent and couldn’t be postponed as doing so would risk the safety of the generating units which might lead to severe damage to equipment and compromise the future available generation capacity to meet the system demand.

“The first stage of load management will start on Monday 10th May 2021 from 17:00 to 21:00 hours and will run for 15 days, whilst the second stage will be implemented in June 2021, for another 15 days,” he said.

Dr. Kunda emphasised that the maintenance of the two generating units is critical to the sustainability of the generating system so that a stable electricity network is maintained.

He clarified that Zesco strictly adheres to a robust and proactive maintenance schedule that ensures the longevity of all its assets to increase efficiency and reliability of electricity supply.

Dr. Kunda said Zesco appeals to customers to exercise patience and switch to alternative sources of supply during this period to avoid the inconvenience.