Zesco extends blackouts to 18 hours
By Mast Reporter
ZESCO Limited has increased daily load-shedding hours from 12 to 18, leaving most Zambians with only four hours of electricity per day.
In a statement issued by its Corporate Affairs Department, the national power utility said the adjustment follows the activation of Stage 11 of Emergency Load Management due to worsening challenges in power generation and transmission.
“Zesco regrets to inform its customers and the public that due to extreme challenges in electricity generation and access, the Corporation has activated Stage 11 of Emergency Load Management. Consequently, the electricity rationing schedules for the week, 12 to 18 October 2025, reflect four (4) hours of supply daily for the majority of our residential customers,” the statement reads.
The utility company attributed the drastic reduction in power supply to a combination of transmission bottlenecks affecting cross-border power flow, regional power system disturbances, and critically low water levels in major hydropower stations.
“As a result, ZESCO is unable to sustain Stage 10 of load management, where residential customers received six hours of electricity daily. Under Stage 11, most customers will now receive four hours,” it stated.
Zesco acknowledged the severe disruption to daily life and business caused by the extended power cuts but said the measure was necessary to prevent a total system collapse.
“The disruption to life and commerce caused by insufficient electricity is fully appreciated and deeply regretted. However, this transition is necessary to maintain the stability of the national grid,” the company said.
Despite the grim outlook, Zesco assured the public that efforts were underway to stabilise power generation and improve supply in the coming weeks.
“Zesco is working hard and doing everything possible within its means to resolve the challenges affecting the generation and transmission system and restore better service through improved electricity supply,” the statement reads.
The latest move has sparked widespread concern among households and businesses already struggling to cope with reduced power availability, with fears that prolonged blackouts could cripple economic activities and essential services.
