Escom shuts down five machines

Brace for tough times. Businesses and consumers in Malawi should brace for more blackouts following Escom’s decision to shut down five machines.

Escom public relations manager Kitty Chingota confirmed that some of their machines are undergoing repairs.

She, however, could not shed more light on the matter, saying she has to go back to her notes.

But a source, who opted for anonymity at Escom, said the power utility has shut down machine number one and two at Wovwe in Karonga, machine number one and three at Nkula A and machine number five at Nkula B. The machines at Nkula are being upgraded.

The shut down machines at Wovwe produce three of the 4.5 megawatts generated at the station while those at Nkula A and B provide 36 megawatts.

Chingota said the issue is technical and she would provide a better explanation later after referring to her notes.

With all machines running, Escom produces 286 megawatts against the country’s total demand of 385 megawatts.

In Malawi, intermittent power supply, over regulation and high taxes are some of the factors that affect businesses.