28 Jul 2022 | 10:10 AM UTC
Malawi: Severe nationwide power supply disruptions to occur July 30 and 31
Severe power supply disruptions in Malawi to occur July 30 and 31 due to emergency maintenance operations.
Event
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has indicated that it will reduce nationwide power supply considerably on July 30 and 31 due to emergency maintenance work at the Nkhula B and A hydroelectric power stations. Outages of up to 14 hours are estimated for each day. Essential services such as hospitals and water pumping stations will still be supplied with power.
Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are possible during power outages; cellular and mobile services could be affected. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times are possible during these periods due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Trains may also experience delays if outages impact signaling devices or overhead wires. Power outages could also result in the temporary unavailability of some essential services such as ATMs and filling stations. There is an increased security threat during power outages. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages.
Advice
Develop or review business continuity plan (BCP) sections regarding utility outages. Identify business-critical functions that require a power supply. Invest in generators and, if applicable, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units. Power laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and other business or travel-critical appliances regularly. Download available warning apps covering planned or unplanned power outages and monitor announcements from the utility.
