Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC) on Monday night restored full power supply to Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM).

Late last month, CEC started restricting electricity supply to at least two Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) transformers in Chingola, leaving only the Nchanga transformer.

KCM was owing CEC in excess of US$40 million in unpaid electricity bills and had failed to settle the debt despite several demands.

Five days ago President Edgar Lungu directed the Ministries of Mines and Energy to intervene in the same matter.

But CEC Corporate Communication Chama Nsabika said in a statement last night that the action to restore power supply follows an agreement reached between CEC and KCM for KCM to settle the overdue amounts imminently.

“On Thursday, 30th August 2018, CEC effected partial restriction of power supply to selected surface loads at KCM due to payment default for power invoices. The total power supply restricted amounted to approximately 14 percent of KCM’s monthly power consumption,” she said.

Ms Nsabika says during the process, CEC took all due care to ensure that the partial power restriction did not in any way negatively impact the safety of mining operations, environmental and community related services or cause any damage to equipment.