“Embrace Solar, It’s a Game Changer” – ZESCO Board Chair Urges Zambians
Vickson Ncube calls for enthusiasm about solar adoption while addressing electricity theft concerns
ZESCO Board Chairperson Vickson Ncube has issued a strong call for Zambians to embrace solar power with enthusiasm rather than skepticism, describing it as a “game changer” for the country’s energy landscape.
Solar Power: The Future of Zambian Energy
Speaking during ZESCO’s Malaiti Monday programme, Ncube says solar power is a game changer in the country, urging everyone to embrace it with enthusiasm and not with skepticism.
The endorsement from ZESCO’s top leadership represents a significant shift in how the state utility views alternative energy sources. Rather than seeing solar as competition, Ncube positioned it as a complementary solution to Zambia’s ongoing energy challenges.
Addressing the Electricity Theft Crisis
Revenue Gaps Reveal Serious Problem
Ncube also addressed a pressing issue affecting ZESCO’s operations – the widespread theft of electricity across the country.
Speaking during ZESCO’s Malaiti Monday programme, Ncube said the power generation and revenue collection showed that not every unit was being accounted for. “When we look at the power generation and the revenue coming to it, it’s apparent that not every unit is accounted for. It means there are meter overrides. In very simple English, there’s theft of electricity taking place in the country.”
Forms of Electricity Theft
The ZESCO Board Chair identified several ways electricity theft occurs:
- Illegal connections bypassing official meters
- Meter tampering and overrides
- Unpaid bills accumulating across the country
- Unauthorized power usage from the grid
Call to Stop Theft
Ncube made a direct appeal to Zambians: “That too, stop stealing electricity from Zesco. That’s a very nice way…” of putting what is essentially a criminal act affecting the entire nation’s power supply.
Why This Matters for Zambia
Dual Energy Crisis
Zambia faces two interconnected energy challenges:
- Supply shortages due to drought affecting hydropower
- Revenue losses from electricity theft undermining system sustainability
Solar as the Solution
By encouraging solar adoption, ZESCO leadership is:
- Reducing grid pressure by promoting alternative energy sources
- Empowering consumers to generate their own power
- Supporting energy diversification beyond hydro-dependence
- Creating sustainable solutions for long-term energy security
Implications for Zambian Households and Businesses
Benefits of Embracing Solar
For Households:
- Reduced dependence on unreliable grid power
- Protection from load-shedding disruptions
- Long-term cost savings on electricity bills
- Energy independence
For Businesses:
- Uninterrupted operations during power cuts
- Reduced operational costs
- Corporate sustainability credentials
- Enhanced productivity
Changing Attitudes Toward Solar
Ncube’s call to embrace solar “with enthusiasm and not with skepticism” acknowledges that many Zambians have viewed solar power as:
- Too expensive for average households
- Unreliable or unproven technology
- Complicated to install and maintain
- Only for wealthy individuals or businesses
His message aims to shift these perceptions and encourage widespread adoption.
The Broader Energy Context
ZESCO’s Ongoing Challenges
This statement comes amid:
- Severe load-shedding affecting the country
- Emergency tariff applications to ERB
- Public hearings on electricity pricing
- Nationwide power rationing measures
Government Energy Policy
The endorsement of solar power aligns with broader government efforts to:
- Diversify Zambia’s energy mix
- Reduce reliance on hydropower
- Encourage renewable energy investment
- Build climate-resilient energy infrastructure
Moving Forward: A Two-Pronged Approach
Combating Theft
ZESCO’s strategy includes:
- Increased monitoring and enforcement
- Public awareness campaigns
- Stricter penalties for electricity theft
- Improved metering systems
Promoting Solar
Parallel efforts to encourage solar adoption:
- Public endorsements from leadership
- Policy support for renewable energy
- Potential incentives for solar installations
- Education about solar technology benefits
Conclusion
ZESCO Board Chairperson Vickson Ncube’s dual message is clear: Zambians must stop stealing electricity while simultaneously embracing solar power as a practical, game-changing alternative. This represents both a pragmatic response to current energy challenges and a forward-looking vision for Zambia’s energy future.
As Zambia continues grappling with power shortages and infrastructure challenges, the combination of improved revenue collection through ending theft and increased solar adoption could provide the pathway to a more sustainable energy future.
The question now is whether Zambians will heed this call – trading skepticism for enthusiasm about solar power while respecting the integrity of the national grid system.
While navigating these energy challenges can be stressful, remember to find moments of peace. Check out our guide on Finding Hope in Hard Times: 5 Zambian Gospel Songs for Comfort for encouragement during difficult seasons. For uplifting vibes during load-shedding hours, explore our Top 10 Zambian Gospel Songs 2025 playlist, and discover talented local artists in 5 Underrated Zambian Gospel Artists You Should Be Listening To while waiting for power restoration!
