By Luckson Sikananu, Lusaka, Thursday, 01 August 2024 — Zambia’s ongoing load shedding crisis has reached a critical point, severely hampering economic activities and the daily lives of its citizens. This systemic issue stems from a combination of inadequate generation capacity, over-reliance on hydropower, and outdated infrastructure
Load shedding, the intentional shutdown of electrical power in parts of a system to prevent a total system failure, is not unique to Zambia. However, its impact here has been profound, disrupting businesses, affecting healthcare services, and reducing the overall quality of life. Tackling these complex issues requires a multifaceted and well-coordinated approach. Such an approach could be enhanced by careful study of how other nations that faced similar power shortages emerged from their crises. Zambia should consider taking lessons from the successes of countries like Ghana, Yemen, and India, which have implemented innovative solutions to their energy challenges.
The Ghanaian Experience: Harnessing Demand Response
In West Africa, Ghana faced significant electricity supply challenges, similar to those Zambia is currently experiencing. Ghana’s solution involved implementing demand response programmes that incentivised consumers to reduce their electricity usage during peak times. These initiatives helped to stabilise the grid and reduce peak load significantly. A 2021 study by Diawuo and colleagues highlighted that Ghana’s demand response initiatives could reduce peak load by up to 210MW by 2040, providing a positive return on investment.
For Zambia, adopting similar demand response programmes could involve consumer education and the implementation of smart metres that enable variable pricing. This approach can shift energy consumption patterns, reduce peak demand, and promote energy conservation. Energy experts posit that the key is to tailor these programmes to the local context, ensuring they are accessible and beneficial to all income groups.
In practice, this could mean launching pilot projects in urban areas like the Copperbelt or Lusaka where energy demand is highest, providing incentives for households to participate in demand response programmes. For instance, households could be offered reduced tariffs during off-peak hours, encouraging them to shift energy-intensive activities to these times. Moreover, implementing smart metres would provide ZESCO with real-time data on consumption patterns, enabling more effective load management.
Leveraging Load Curtailment and Renewable Energy: Lessons From South Africa
South Africa has effectively used load curtailment—reducing electricity usage by large consumers during peak times—to stabilise its grid and prevent widespread power cuts. This strategy, focused on targeted reductions, has alleviated grid strain during critical periods.
In addition to load curtailment, South Africa is expanding its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind, and investing in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to store and release energy as needed. This approach diversifies the energy mix and enhances grid stability.
Zambia can adopt a similar load curtailment strategy by collaborating with major energy users to develop targeted reduction plans, easing the burden on the grid during peak times. Pairing this with investments in solar energy and battery storage, given Zambia’s strong solar potential, could stabilise the energy supply, reduce dependence on hydropower, and mitigate the effects of drought. Integrating these strategies would create a more resilient and diversified energy system for the country.
The Private Sector Solution: Utility Concession Model
Despite its challenging environment, Yemen has successfully engaged the private sector in electricity distribution through utility concessions. In the city of Zahle, Lebanon, a similar model proved effective. Private companies were given the autonomy to generate and distribute electricity within specific areas, incentivising investment in infrastructure improvements and reliable service delivery.
The utility concession model allows private companies to operate within designated areas, managing both the generation and distribution of power. In return, these companies are incentivised to invest in infrastructure improvements and allowed to charge commercially viable rates for their services. The success in Zahle, despite Lebanon’s broader energy crisis, showcases the potential of this model.
For Zambia, piloting utility concessions in urban areas with high demand could be transformative. This would require a robust regulatory framework and strong political support to attract private investment.
To implement this, Zambia could start by identifying urban areas with the highest energy demand and the most significant potential for private investment. These areas could then be designated as pilot zones for utility concessions. Private companies would be invited to bid for the right to generate and distribute electricity within these zones, with clear regulations in place to ensure fair pricing and reliable service.
India’s Comprehensive Reforms: The UDAY Programme
India’s struggle with blackouts was mitigated through the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) programme. While the country still faces some levels of power outages, this programme served as a litmus paper of what could work. This comprehensive reform focused on financial restructuring and operational improvements within the power distribution sector. Measures included feeder separation and the modernisation of grid infrastructure, significantly reducing the frequency and duration of blackouts.
Zambia can draw from India’s UDAY programme by improving the financial health of ZESCO and modernising its grid infrastructure. Investments in renewable energy sources and strategic grid management can enhance stability and reliability.
Leveraging Data and Technology
Modernising Zambia’s energy sector requires the effective use of data and technology. Smart grid technologies can provide real-time data on electricity usage, enabling more accurate demand forecasting and efficient supply management. For example, the deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in the United States has allowed utilities to monitor consumption patterns closely, leading to more effective demand-side management and operational efficiency.
In Zambia, implementing such technologies can help ZESCO identify and address inefficiencies, predict demand patterns, and optimise grid performance. Data analytics can provide insights into consumption trends and inform decision-making processes, ensuring a more resilient and reliable energy supply.
Smart metres, for instance, can give consumers real-time information about their energy usage, helping them make more informed decisions about when and how they use electricity. For ZESCO, this data can help in pinpointing areas with high levels of energy loss, whether due to technical issues or non-technical losses like theft. Addressing these issues would help ZESCO enhance its operational efficiency and ultimately lower the overall cost of electricity for both the utility company and its customers.
Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future
Addressing Zambia’s load shedding crisis requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and international investors. The government must create an enabling environment for private investment through clear regulatory frameworks and political support. Private companies can bring in the necessary capital and expertise to modernise the infrastructure and improve service delivery.
International investors and development partners can support these efforts by providing financial assistance and technical expertise.
For example, international organisations like the World Bank and the African Development Bank could provide funding for infrastructure projects and technical assistance for regulatory reforms. Local NGOs and community groups could play a crucial role in educating the public about energy conservation and the benefits of participating in demand response programmes.
Towards a Brighter Future
The future of Zambia’s energy sector depends on making bold decisions and fostering coordinated efforts. Implementing these strategies could enable Zambia to secure a stable and reliable electricity supply, which is crucial for driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. The moment to act is now, with an emphasis on sustainable, data-driven solutions that can pave the way toward a brighter and more resilient future.
The journey to resolving Zambia’s load shedding crisis is complex but not insurmountable. With the right mix of regulatory reforms, private sector engagement, international support, and data-driven insights, Zambia can build a more resilient and efficient energy sector. This collaborative and informed approach will ensure that Zambia not only addresses its current challenges but also lays the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future.
About the Author:
Luckson is a communications professional with a rich background in journalism. With a keen ability to add nuance to socio-economic and political discussions, he excels at providing layers of understanding to both laypeople and experts alike.
Luckson’s educational credentials are impressive. He holds a Master of Science in Politics and Communication from the University of Amsterdam, and a Master of Arts in Journalism, Media and Globalisation from Aarhus University and Danmarks Medie-og Journalisthøjskole. Additionally, he possesses a certificate in Financial Journalism from the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa.
An award-winning journalist, Luckson has received multiple accolades for his work as a business journalist and media consultant in Zambia. His extensive coverage spans crucial topics such as geopolitics, emerging technology, and climate change.
Luckson’s career is distinguished by his ability to bridge the gap between complex issues and accessible communication. His expertise in journalism, media, and communication is underpinned by a robust academic foundation and hands-on experience in the field Passionate about telling stories that matter, Luckson is dedicated to communicating for impact. He aims to inspire positive change and innovation through his storytelling, demonstrating a profound commitment to making a difference in the world.
