Mr Mukuka Highlights CEC’s Response to Zambia’s Energy Deficit at Mining Indaba
Speaking on the Zambia Spotlight panel at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Mr Mukuka shared how the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) responded to Zambia’s energy deficit to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for the mining sector—the engine of the country’s economy.
Mukuka emphasized that the integration and interconnection of the regional power transmission infrastructure within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) enabled CEC to swiftly activate its contractual arrangements with regional utilities and generators. CEC was able to support the national energy shortfall, supplying approximately 37% of its Copperbelt mining customers from power imports in 2024. This decisive action, along with contributions from other power traders, not only bolstered energy reliability but also positioned Zambia as a key player in the regional energy landscape and emphasized the need for more regional power transmission systems connectivity.
In addition to imports, Mukuka highlighted CEC’s recent investments in renewable energy, with one 60MW solar plants commissioned during the year. The power generated from this plant together with CEC’s other generating plants was redirected to mitigate the energy deficit, further reinforcing Zambia’s energy security.
Mukuka also addressed challenges within the transmission network, noting that reduced energy flows had strained the transmission system. In response, CEC has undertaken urgent and targeted investments to stabilize transmission infrastructure and ensure continued reliability for its customers. These investments extend beyond Zambia’s transmission backbone to include enhancements to interconnectors linking Zambia with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). However, further investments in transmission infrastructure are essential to prevent grid constraints from becoming bottlenecks in the delivery of reliable electricity to consumers.
Concluding his remarks, Mukuka commended the Government of Zambia for fast tracking 2024 legislative reforms in Zambia’s electricity sector. These reforms promote greater private sector participation in both power transmission and generation, laying the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable energy industry to drive Zambia’s economic growth.
ENDS.
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About CEC Plc
Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC) is a Zambian power generation, transmission, distribution, and supply company, operating in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia and the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). CEC operates in the DRC market through its subsidiary, CEC-DRC SARL.
CEC is a major supplier of power to the mining industry in the region and is a member of the Southern African Power Pool, a pioneering international power trader in Southern Africa. The company is publicly traded on the Lusaka Securities Exchange with more than 5,000 investors. It is the first locally listed company to achieve market capitalization ZMK 11 billion.
