ZESCO says it has recorded a reduced power usage in the Mazabuka farming block for the last two months.
ZESCO Senior Regional Manager, Given Moonde has attributed the development to a mutual agreement on consumer – centred rationing of power that was made in April between the utility company and Delta farms of Mazabuka.

Mr Moonde said Delta farms are managing the rationing of power to ensure that supply to Chikankata Hospital and the nearby Neganega mine is not interrupted.

Mr Moonde said this when he took ZANIS journalists on a tour of the farm.

Mr Moonde disclosed that through the agreement ZESCO is able to save about 5.6 Megawatt of power per day.

He explained that the farm community in the area is not load shed but is able to ration power usage on their own adding that the action reduces strain on the national grid.

Mr Moonde explained that the action saves water in the Kariba dam as the power generation is reduced thereby rationing water usage.
“I’m urging those from other farming blocks such as Mukushi, Serenje and Chisamba to try this method as well ” he said

And Elite Technologies consultancy Director, Willie Vermenlen said the method is efficient and cost effective for both the utility company and the community.
Mr Vermenlen said  the company has been able to expand the initiative into  houses with about four of the houses completely off grid.