…As it loses 220MW of imports to maintenance
ZESCO Limited has announced the commencement of maintenance work on a key power import and trade route, taking out up to 220MW, which will affect load management schedules.
In a statement yesterday, the company stated that it had commenced corrective maintenance works on the 220kV Victoria Falls–Sesheke transmission line, “an important power trading route between Zambia and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).”
ZESCO said the corrective work is critical for improving the transmission line’s reliability and availability as the line is prone to tripping, especially during the rainy season. As a result, from November 17 to 21, about 220MW of power imports through the route will not be available from 05:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
“This import shortfall is expected to considerably impact power rationing schedules. During this period of the drought-induced hydropower generation deficit, Zambia is heavily dependent on this power importation route, transporting up to 250MW of power from the SAPP market,” read the statement.
The power utility intends to cushion the impact by utilizing the Zimbabwe import route and sourcing power from independent power producers to enable the average five-hour supply to its residential customers, while industrial and agricultural customers will continue to receive their respective eight and six hours.
ZESCO undertook to supply seven hours of power to its retail customers from November 1 when the emergency tariffs came into effect but has continued struggling to keep the lights on in many houses beyond five hours on good days.
