Zambia allows consumers to contribute solar power to the grid

• 3 months ago (2024-08-01)
• David Flin

Africa 320 Hydropower 131 Solar 272

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Zambia has started a programme that allows electricity customers to feed power into the national grid, contributing to supply and encouraging the increased use of solar panels.

The plan, known as net metering, will be available to residential customers and Zesco , the state-owned power utility, is also discussing similar measures with larger commercial users.

Zambia is dependent on hydropower and has been hampered by drought, resulting in a deficit of 1000 MW, leading to daily rolling blackouts lasting up to 12 hours.

Makozo Chikote, Zambia’s Energy Minister, said that the country has recalled 260 MW from its 500 MW of electricity exports in a bid to cushion the deficit while importing 409 MW.