Government says the shortfall of power supply has been pushed up from 450 to 750 megawatts.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana attributed the increase in the short fall of power supply to the continued dwindling of water generation.

Mr Kawana stated that the current shortfall of power supply in the country stands at 750 megawatts.

He said the drought that the country is grappling with has negatively affected the energy sector. 

The Permanent Secretary however said among the measures that the government is encouraging is for citizens and the corporate citizens to embrace the use of solar energy.

Mr Kawana said solar should mostly be used for lighting and refrigeration purposes. 

He said government is recognisant that solar products are expensive on the market hence the call to the business community dealing with solar products to pass on the benefits of tax exemption to the consumers.

Mr Kawana said government have provided tax exemptions on solar accessories and products therefore expects the business community to pass on the benefits to the consumers.

The Permanent Secretary said it is unfair for the business community to sell solar products at exorbitant prices when government has zero rated tax on solar products.

Mr Kawana stated that once the solar products are made affordable more people will embrace the use of solar energy resulting in the conserving of the much needed energy in the country.

Meanwhile, government has implored government institutions exempted from load shedding to seriously consider to go solar in the next three months.

He cited the exempted institutions as hospitals, barracks and learning institutions.

Mr Kawana said the measure will help to serve about 250 megawatts of power being used in Lusaka. 

And government says modalities are being worked out to restart Ndola Energy which will bring on board about 105 megawatts.