The Electricity Generation Company (Egenco) says the installation of 10 diesel-powered generators worth about K6.6 billion ($9 million) at Mapanga Sub-station in Blantyre will minimise loadshedding when added to the national grid later this month.
Egenco said the 10 generators with a capacity of two megawatts (MW) each are expected to provide additional capacity for peaking, standby and system voltage improvement.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Egenco senior public relations officer Moses Gwaza said diesel for the generators has been budgeted for.
He said: “People should understand that the generators are there to serve as an emergency power supply, they cannot be running for 24 hours, it all depends on demand and the available hydro power at that particular time.”
On power availability as the dry season approaches, Gwaza assured that Egenco has put in place mechanisms aimed at reducing the current power challenges which include commissioning of more generators and maintenance works on already existing hydro electric generation stations.
He said: “In the few months to come, the load shedding problem will be over, you can see the improvements for yourself. I may not be specific on the month because a lot is happening to deal with the power outage challenge. However, be rest assured that this problem is coming to an end.”
The generators were procured by Egenco from Techfab International and the latter out sourced a subcontractor for the construction of the powerhouse.
Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has been rationing power due to reduced generation capacity from the potential demand of 351MW to current levels because of low water levels in Lake Malawi and its sole outlet the Shire River where over 90 percent of hydro power is generated. Malawi is facing acute power supply challenges with hydro-electric generation capacity reduced to around 150MW from installed capacity of 351MW.
President Peter Mutharika promised that power outages will be eliminated when generators are installed. However, Malawians continue to endure long hours of loadshedding and unreliable supply that is stifling production in industries.