Zambia has been importing more electricity from neighboring countries in order to help mitigate the impact of severe blackouts that are affecting consumers.
The ongoing drought caused by El Niño has greatly reduced the output from the country's hydropower plants. As a result, the state utility, Zesco Ltd., has sought additional power from Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. in South Africa, EDM in Mozambique, and the Southern African Power Pool.
To fund these emergency imports, Zesco Ltd. received approval for tariff increases last month. The energy regulator will review these tariffs in three months as the country deals with the challenges of reduced hydropower generation. This action is intended to provide much-needed relief to Zambians who are facing prolonged electricity shortages.