: Over 2,900 Megawatts of installed capacity, primarily from hydropower.
ZESCO was established in 1981, with the primary objective of generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity to meet the growing demands of Zambia's economy. Over the years, the company has undergone significant transformations, including the unbundling of its operations into separate generation, transmission, and distribution entities. Today, ZESCO operates as a vertically integrated utility, providing electricity to customers across the country. : Over 2,900 Megawatts of installed capacity, primarily
The defining characteristic of ZESCO is its overwhelming dependence on hydroelectric power (over 80% of its capacity). While this reliance on renewable energy positions Zambia as a "green" producer on paper, it introduces a catastrophic vulnerability: the weather. When the rains are good, ZESCO produces a surplus, exporting power to neighbors like the DRC, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. However, in years of drought—most notably from 2019 to 2022—water levels at Kariba plummet. Today, ZESCO operates as a vertically integrated utility,
ZESCO uses a "Step Tariff" (lifeline tariff) structure for domestic users. This means the more you use, the more you pay per unit (kWh). When the rains are good, ZESCO produces a
Since "ZESCO" most commonly refers to the , the largest electricity utility in Zambia, I have compiled a comprehensive guide regarding their services, billing, and connection processes.