CITIZENS have been expressing their frustrations on social media over the reduced power supply, which has been cut to 2-3 hours a day, falling short of the announced schedule.
In light of this, the public expects a more detailed explanation from ZESCO, rather than the vague assertion that ‘reduced power supply is due to system instability.
It’s puzzling that ZESCO communications unit seems to be failing in its duty to keep the public informed about company updates, especially load management. 
Ordinary citizens are not expecting ZESCO to perform miracles in power generation; they have a grasp of the reality and complexities surrounding the current power crisis.
Where is ZESCO communication machinery to explain to the public what is causing this reduced supply of power to 2 or 3 hours a day?
The last time ZESCO provided electricity update to the nation on August 24, 2025 said Zambia is under Stage 10 of load shedding, which allows residential areas a minimum of 5 hours of power supply followed by 19 hours of outages.
This was a result of the routine maintenance on Maamba Energy power generation units, which involves scheduled shutdowns from August 17-31, 2025, and September 7-21, 2025, for the two thermal units, respectively
But the experience on the ground is different in compounds where people are receiving three hours or less of electricity a day
After outcries on social media, the ZESCO communication unit responded with a brief statement saying “the reduced power supply in some areas is due to system instability.”
What Zambians are demanding is clear, coherent updates from the ZESCO. What is System Instability? What has caused the system instability? Where did the system instability happen? How long will the system instability last?
Clearly, the central government needs to put a close eye on ZESCO. Maybe, only maybe, Henry Kapata should go back to his position at ZESCO, where he used to give timely updates to consumers.
