Malawi’s state-owned electricity utility, ESCOM, has introduced emergency load shedding following a significant decline in power generation from solar and a fault at a unit of the Nkula B hydropower station.
ESCOM said solar power generation from independent power producers had dropped sharply to about 10 megawatts (MW) from 111 MW due to prevailing weather conditions.
The reduction in solar output was further compounded by a fault at Unit 6 of the Nkula B hydropower station, operated by the utility’s main hydropower supplier.
ESCOM warned that the disruption could result in power outages extending beyond the scheduled load-shedding periods, potentially affecting customers whose areas are not included in the published schedules.
The utility said efforts were underway by its suppliers to repair the affected generating units and restore normal electricity supply.
Customers were advised to follow the load-shedding programme issued on August 10 through ESCOM’s website and other official communication channels.
The latest disruption highlights the challenges facing Malawi’s power system, particularly its exposure to fluctuations in renewable generation and unexpected outages at major hydropower facilities.