Zesco urged to avoid desperate moves during power crisis
ZESCO must resist onboarding Independent Power Producers (IPPs) it is not in a joint venture with during this power crisis as it risks becoming a minority player post-dependence on hydroelectric power era.
The days of depending on hydroelectric power are numbered going by the persisting and ever-changing climatic conditions within the context of with wellknown maximum capacity for Zambia and projected future demand.
This is according to the Energy Expert, Johnstone Chikwanda, at a media briefing on Sunday in Lusaka on the impact of climate change induced drought on electricity sub-sector in Zambia-proposed solutions.
“My friendly advice to ZESCO during this crisis is; do not over onboard IPPs where you are not in a joint venture as doing so risks the national power utility company becoming a minority player in the post-dependence on hydroelectric power era, as the days of depending on hydroelectric power are numbered,” Dr Chikwanda said.
He also appealed to suppliers of renewable energy products to pass on the incentives to consumers.
Dr Chikwanda recalled that Government had introduced several incentives on renewable energy products.
“These incentives are not meant for windfall profit maximisation pathways on the part of importers, but the incentives should be passed on to the consumers.
“Do not make a killing during this period of desperate. Let us all work together to ameliorate the energy deficit impact by making it affordable for everyone to get these products,” he said.
Dr Chikwanda further urged consumers to utilise various initiatives including village banks to take a turn to buy power backup and solar solutions for your members.
He called for joint collaboration during this period of the crisis, saying: “when I look at the quality and size of the investment which has been attracted by new government and is somewhere in our long and cumbersome customer journey, it is my sincere hope that this is the last energy poverty we are experiencing as a country.”