Lusaka Stock Exchange listed power distribution company, Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) is to invest over $18 million in upgrading its network in a bid to boost Zambia and DR Congo energy sector.

“CEC owns the inter-connection between Zambia and DRC. We are building a duo circuit transmission line which will see the capacity of our inter-connector extended from 250 megawatts to 550 megawatts,” said CEC managing director Owen Silavwe.

CEC operates and maintain a network comprising transmission, distribution and generation assets. The  assets comprise an emergency power generation capacity of 80MW, transmission and distribution network of around 1,000 km of overhead power lines, 41 high voltage substations and electricity network carrying capacity in excess of 700MW. It also operate an inter-connector with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), through which power is wheeled to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Zambia has been facing recurrent load shedding which has raised concern among the community. Demand for power in Zambia has been growing steadily over the past few years and currently stands at around 1,700MW. Further delayed investments in transmission and distribution systems have also led to depleting power transmission and distribution capacity.

By George Mpofu