28 Nov 2024 | 09:42 AM UTC
Zambia: Further power cuts, blackouts likely nationwide through late 2024 /update 9
Utility maintains rolling power cuts in Zambia amid ongoing drought; further power cuts, blackouts likely through 2024.
Zambia's energy provider, ZESCO, will likely continue to implement prolonged periods of rolling power cuts, causing further disruptions through 2024. Around 20:15 on Nov. 24, a nationwide blackout led to hospital service disruptions and trapped miners underground in Chambishi and Mindolo. Power was restored early Nov. 25; no casualties were reported. On Nov. 25, the utility announced it was working to increase power supply to seven hours per day. As of late November, the utility continues to struggle with unplanned maintenance, occasionally resorting to supplying power at night. Critical infrastructure is being prioritized.
Insufficient energy imports, unplanned breakdown of power plants, and low water levels will likely persist in the coming weeks and possibly months, leading to prolonged periods of power loss and occasional blackouts. Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are possible while load management and unscheduled disruptions occur; cellular and mobile services could be affected. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times are possible during these periods due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Power outages could also result in temporarily unavailable 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.
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. Ensure that generators are functional and refuel devices where necessary. Power laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and other business or travel-critical appliances regularly. Verify that security systems are working. Park vehicles in secure areas and complete ground movements before nightfall. Consult official sources covering planned or unplanned power outages and monitor announcements from the utility. Plan for possible medical service disruptions due to prolonged power outages.
ZESCO had progressively increased the duration of power interruptions to 12 hours in May, 20 hours in August, and 21 hours in September due to insufficient power generation from the Kariba Dam, a drop in energy imports from Namibia, and the maintenance of power plants. ZESCO has also blamed vandalism for power outages. The Zambezi River Authority, which manages the dam, reported that water levels had dropped to around 3.5 percent in late November 2024, compared to 14.3 percent in late November 2023.
