Zambia/Zimbabwe: Scheduled power outages expected in coming weeks

Event

Zambia and Zimbabwe are both expected to experience scheduled power shortages in the coming weeks as an ongoing drought has affected operations at hydroelectric dams in the region. In Zambia, the state power company announced plans to restrict power supplies beginning Saturday, June 1. Rotating power cuts for approximately four hours per day are expected. The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) similarly announced planned load shedding, or rotating power cuts, to its customers that may affect power supplies for up to eight hours per day. Further cuts to electricity are possible in the coming months and potentially until November.

Context

Hydroelectric power plants along the Zambezi River produce the majority of electricity for the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. An ongoing drought has reduced water levels at key power stations by 15 percent and is expected to continue until the rainy season begins in November.

Advice

Individuals in Zambia and Zimbabwe are advised to anticipate power outages and associated disruptions and ensure electronic and battery-operated devices are fully charged when possible.