Power demand to rise 25% during winter :: Mmegi Online

The Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has pleaded with consumers to use electricity sparingly as they try to repair the troubled Morupule B plant ahead of an expected 25% rise in demand.

During the approaching winter season, the power utility anticipates an increase in the national demand from the current 530MW to a projected 669MW. It says it is thus working on ensuring that all the units are restored at the earliest possible time to avoid any possible power supply interruptions. In a statement, BPC said there are currently two units (Unit 2 and 4) in full operation delivering about 260MW.

“Unit 1 and 3, which contribute a further 260MW are out of operation and this is mainly due to the ongoing maintenance on these. The corporation expects Unit 1 to be functional in terms of contribution of an additional 130MW to the national grid by mid-June 2016 if not earlier while Unit 3’s date of operation has not yet been established,” stated BPC.

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