Escom rolls low cost electrification project
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has launched a low cost electrification project aimed at accelerating increased access to electricity for people living in rural areas.
The project, dubbed Ndalawa Accelerated Electrification, will also benefit low income customers who cannot afford to pay the normal charges to be connected to electricity supply.
Launching the project in Ntcheu district last week, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Bright Msaka said the project is one of government’s strategies to connect more people in the country to electricity.
“We are also collaborating with prospective independent power producer to have the whole country electrified,” he said.
The project, which Escom has successfully piloted in the areas of Kabwazi, Chilobwe and Kalitsiro in Ntcheu district, will cost Escom K350 million and help the corporation attain its target of 60,000 new connections annually.
Escom Business Development Manager, Wiseman Kabwazi, said the company is offering connection under the project at a subsidised rate of K75, 000 covering both wiring and power connection.
Prospective customers will be expected to pay an initial commitment fee of K5,000 only, with the rest of the amount to be treated as a loan to be repaid gradually as the customer purchases electricity units.
“This will enable many people in the country afford electricity connection,” said Kabwazi.
Escom normally charges customers K40,000.00 connection fees payable upfront.
Kabwazi said under the low cost electrification project, Escom will be deducting from the customer 20 percent of the paid amount as loan repayment whenever they are buying electricity units.
Escom Chief Executive Officer, John Kandulu, said the corporation will carry out an extensive awareness campaign on the importance of being connected to power supply.
