The Economics Association of Zambia has projected that the power deficit in Zambia is going to contribute highly to inflationary pressures that will affect private sector performance.
EAZ Vice President Dr Austin Mwange says the Manufacturing and Mining sectors will be highly affected as they consume over 75 percent of the National Grid.
Dr. Mwange however notes that the move by ZESCO to implement load management will balance up some risks posed by the power outages.
The Association Vice President has advised the Mining and Manufacturing industries to consider investing in power generation facilities to sustain their operations and ease the pressure off the grid.
He has also called on ZESCO to speed up key solar projects that are expected be added to the national grid by the end of the year to cushion the effects of the hydrological risks.
In a statement, Dr. Mwange has highlighted some of the key projects being undertaken by the power utility firm including the Kafue Gorge lower (750MW), Lusiwasi lower (86MW) among others.
He says “the Association wishes to call upon funders for landmark energy projects such as the 750MW Luapula project and the 1200MW Batoka projects which it believes will be game changers for Zambia.”
Dr. Mwange has added that “Zambia remains a potential power supplier to the Southern Africa region but this is dependent on the ability of the nation to harness this opportunity through increased investment in energy generation sources.”
He further adds that “all energy generation pipeline projects position Zambia for this cause. We urge Zambians to adopt energy saving methods such as usage of LED bulbs and prudent use of power to ease pressure on the grid in this critical time.”