The Electricity Generation Company (egenco) says it has put in place measures that will help it address the problem of power outages.
Egenco spokesperson Moses Gwaza said among other measure, the company has started fixing Tedzani III , where about 12 megawatts would be added to the national grid.
”Egenco is working on diesel generators which will add another 12 megawatts to the national grid,” he said.
Electricity blackouts reached a crescendo in January this year following destruction of some structures at Kapichira Power Station in Chikwawa District.
”Following this, we are hopeful that, by the end of July this year, the company will restore another 25 megawatts to the national grid.” Gwaza said, adding that this would reduce the longevity of electricity blackouts as, on the other hand, they will be fixing Kapichira Power Station in Chikwawa.
He said experts from Korea and the United States have started arriving in the country to start fixing the Kapichira plant.
”There are plans that we, as Egenco are working on to make sure that the company should not rely on generating electricity from Shire River but also other sources.
Last month, the private sector freed 23mw of electricity through a partnership with Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi(Escom) to ease to pressure of shortage of power supply during peak periods.
Escom Director of System and Market Operator Charles Kagona indicated that the initiative sees some companies voluntarily operating during off peak hours, resulting in the freeing of 23mw for use by residential customers.
He said they had, so far, partnered with Illovo Sugar, Malawi Mangoes Limited, MISCOR, Huamin Steel, and Health & Beauty Care Limited, thereby minimizing the impact of load shedding.
Source: The Daily Times_July 4, 2022_By Jarson Malowa