LOAD SHEDDING TO AFFECT CONSUMERS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Dear Editor, ZESCO last Monday announced that it will soon embark on load management commonly known as load shedding across the country.

The load shedding comes in the wake of the low water levels at Itezhi Tezhi. The load shedding has been induced by the dry spell currently prevailing in the country.

The load shedding will affect the consumers and the entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs notably those who depend on electricity will be greatly affected by load shedding which the power utility company will soon embark on.

In a nutshell, the far reaching consequences of load shedding will be felt both in the long term and the short term. The cost of most, if not virtually all commodities will increase. On the other hand, the productivity of business enterprises notably the smallscale ones will be affected.

Businesses such as salons, barber shops, welding, metal fabrication, butcheries and production-oriented, among others will be affected by the effect of load shedding.

As if this is not enough, Zesco will from May 1, 2024 increase electricity tariffs. The new electricity tariff will be increased from 40 ngwee per kilowatt hour to 54 ngwee per kilowatt hour.

The increase in electricity tariff which comes into effect on May 1, was approved by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).

It is true to mention here that the low water levels at Itezhi Tezhi is due to the prevailing dry spell in most parts of the country as alluded earlier.

Zesco should consider to load shed areas with less hours as a relief to the business enterprises from which many people eke out a living. This is because many people are not in formal employment.

In my conclusion, let me hasten to mention here that load shedding will affect both the consumers and the entrepreneurs. The consumers should brace themselves for the high cost of living. On the other hand, the businesses which depend on electricity such as barbershops, salons, butcheries, welding and metal fabrication will be affected. This is because productivity will be low.

Ultimately, this will lead to reduced revenue being generated from the business activities.