Malawi: Utility provider restoring power following nationwide outage Sept. 4

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), Malawi's publicly owned electricity provider, is working to restore power following a nationwide outage Sept. 4. The system shutdown began at 11:42, with power progressively returning to the grid from 12:29 in Blantyre, Southern Region. ESCOM has not given a reason for the system shutdown but warns that users should treat all power supply equipment as live as they work to reconnect the grid. For further updates, click here.

Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are likely to occur during the blackout; cellular and mobile services could be affected. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times are likely 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 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 may increase during electricity outages.