Eswatini’s electricity supply under strain amid rising demand

The issue of load shedding in Eswatini has become a pressing concern, as highlighted by the Managing Director of the Eswatini Electricity Company, Ernest Mkhonta.

During his address at the EEC Media Stakeholder Breakfast Meeting at Hilton Garden Inn on Tuesday, he shed light on the complexities of electricity supply and demand in the country, revealing the underlying factors contributing to the current energy crisis.

He said the significant factor contributing to load shedding is the increased electricity usage during peak hours.

Mkhonta pointed out that the country is experiencing a higher electricity demand, which poses a risk of unplanned outages due to strain on the grid.

This situation is exacerbated by the exorbitant peak import tariffs that the company faces during these high-demand periods.

The financial implications of importing electricity are substantial, as Mkhonta emphasised that the Eswatini Electricity Company is unable to recover costs from any of its customers.

Mkhonta elaborated on the financial challenges, stating, “There is no single customer where we are recovering the cost of buying electricity.” The regional pressures affecting electricity supply cannot be ignored.

Mkhonta pointed to the drought conditions that have plagued the region in recent years, significantly impacting rainfall patterns.

This has resulted in a drastic reduction in hydroelectric generation capacity, particularly from the Kariba Dam, which straddles Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Currently, the dam is operating at a mere 5 per cent to 20 per cent of its capacity, severely limiting the amount of electricity that can be generated and supplied to Eswatini.