Smart Energy Allocation

ZESCO Implements Structured Power Management to Support Critical and Vulnerable Customers

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (25-09-2025) – ZESCO has strengthened its electricity management system to ensure a stable supply for hospitals, essential industries, industrial zones, and vulnerable communities amid fluctuations in hydro-based generation.

Structured Allocation for Critical Users

Boniface Siasipa, ZESCO’s technical lead, explained that hydroelectricity accounts for around 80 percent of Zambia’s power generation. Consequently, variations in water levels significantly affect electricity availability and load management.

To address this, ZESCO introduced a structured allocation system that evaluates electricity needs for each location using historical consumption trends and real-time monitoring. Power is routed through designated groups based on substations and feeders, enabling control centers to switch circuits on or off efficiently.

“Priority is given to critical customers, including hospitals and key industries,” Siasipa said. “Other areas receive power according to set schedules, ensuring supply aligns with demand while protecting vulnerable communities.”

The allocation system updates hourly to reflect changes in generation capacity, with compliance checks confirming that scheduled supply matches actual delivery. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and disabled, benefit from extended supply hours to maintain consistent access to electricity.

Supporting Economic Activity

Economic considerations also guide ZESCO’s planning. Industrial zones are supplied during peak production periods, and farmers’ equipment receives electricity according to operational needs. Temporary adjustments are permitted for special occasions or system constraints, maintaining efficiency without compromising essential services.

Siasipa emphasized that the strategy integrates historical consumption data, real-time system monitoring, and priority-based scheduling to optimize distribution, support economic growth, and enhance system reliability.

“By aligning supply with demand and tailoring allocations to the needs of specific customers, we can maintain uninterrupted service for critical users while sustaining national economic activity,” he added.

ZESCO affirmed that this initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and reliability across Zambia’s electricity sector.

Zambia Relies on Imported Electricity Amid Low Rainfall

With domestic hydropower generation under pressure due to below-average rainfall, Zambia increasingly depends on imported electricity, energy specialist Collins Mumba revealed.

Mumba explained that while the country aims to balance local generation with exports, current reservoir levels are insufficient to meet national demand.

“We are importing between 200 and 250 megawatts during peak hours to stabilize supply and ensure consistent service across all sectors,” he said.

To prioritize domestic consumption, Zambia has reduced electricity exports to neighboring countries from 520 MW before February to 136 MW. 

“This ensures more energy remains available for residential and industrial users,” Mumba added.

Regional partnerships and transit agreements, coordinated through the Grid Relay Company, strengthen electricity supply. “These collaborations are crucial for sustaining availability when domestic generation is limited,” he noted.

Imports under contractual arrangements are also essential for national energy security. Zambia receives 140 MW through Electricity Transmission Management (ETM) and BRZ, while South Africa supplies roughly 250 MW under recent agreements. 

Power procurement operates like an auction, with pricing determining the volume acquired, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Mumba reported that domestic output in September reached 1,544 MW, supplemented by 187 MW of imported power, bringing total supply to 1,731 MW. This electricity is strategically allocated among residential, industrial, and priority sectors.

He stressed that continuous monitoring of rainfall, hydropower capacity, and regional import agreements is critical to maintaining a reliable electricity supply.

Hydrological Insights Guide Generation Planning

Ndabamba Chipeta, a ZESCO hydrologist, highlighted the role of rainfall patterns and water management strategies in hydroelectric power production.

Chipeta explained that catchment areas channel rainfall into major reservoirs feeding Zambia’s hydropower stations. Regions with heavy rainfall contribute efficiently, while areas lacking hydrological infrastructure add little to national output.

“Rainfall in upstream catchments replenishes main lakes, while other regions have minimal impact,” he said.

ZESCO relies on forecasting to plan generation schedules. Hydrologists use historical data on rainfall and river flows to estimate seasonal water availability. 

“River flows rise during rainy periods and decline during dry spells. Understanding these patterns helps us plan generation effectively,” Chipeta added.

Forecasting informs operational planning. Hydrological data guides allocation decisions, allowing operators to maximize output. While smaller mini hydropower stations have limited capacity, they are incorporated into the overall system.

Monitoring stations across catchments provide real-time data, refining forecasts and supporting adjustments to generation plans. “By combining predictive models with historical records, we allocate water efficiently and maintain dependable power supply,” Chipeta said.

Through meticulous water management, Zambia balances seasonal rainfall variability with the demand for consistent electricity, supporting both domestic needs and economic activity.