LUSAKA, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- A senior Zambian government official said on Thursday that the country was expected to be energy secure starting this year due to increased investment in electricity generation.
Minister of Energy Matthew Nkhuwa said this was due to significant improvement in rainfall patterns resulting in positive water inflows into the country's reservoirs.
He said in a ministerial statement in parliament that the coming on board of the 750 megawatts Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station this year coupled with the liberalization of the sector will enhance power generation and attract more private investment.
"Our expectation is that we will be energy secure this year and going forward," he said.
Current peak demand is estimated at 2,300 megawatts but due to reduced water levels experienced in recent years only about 1,490 megawatts are available, creating a deficit of 810 megawatts.
The Zambian minister said the deficit resulted in customers experiencing frequent power cuts of about 10-12 hours daily.
He however said the power cuts were introduced in order to prolong power generation operations at the country's major power plants. Enditem
