By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia
A total of 5,964 households connected to the grid in Malawi are currently without electricity due to faulty transformers.
This was disclosed in a communication from the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) concerning progress of the Token Identifier (TID) project, which aims to upgrade non-compliant prepaid meters for customers.
Escom reported a successful upgrade of 627,131 prepaid meters out of a total of 642,680, reflecting a 98 percent success rate for the TID project as of February 28 2025, which was initiated in June 2024.
However, the corporation noted that of the 15,549 meters still pending upgrades, 5,964 are connected to faulty transformers and will be upgraded once the new transformers are installed.
Escom Public Relations Officer Peter Kanjere disclosed that over 200 sites nationwide are currently in need of transformers.
Kanjere cited vandalism as the primary cause of damage to these transformers, with other technical defects, such as overloads, also contributing to the problem.
Kanjere explained that Escom has faced significant delays in replacing transformers in some areas, with some supplies expected since October 2024 yet to arrive due to global logistics challenges.
“We initiated procurement of over 200 transformers a few years ago and we were expecting them in October 2024 but the supplier has delayed delivering them due to global logistical challenges. Nonetheless, we are optimistic that the transformers will be delivered to us in a few weeks,” Kanjere said
Currently, Escom serves approximately 660,000 customers.
In an interview, Consumers Association of Malawi Executive Director John Kapito attributed the ongoing electricity outages to negligence and inadequate planning by Escom, which has hindered the restoration of power in various regions.
“They should recognise the challenges within their market and plan effectively. Blaming global supply challenges is unfounded.
“We [also] need strategies that empower communities to take care of this infrastructure. Many community members are willing to assist Escom but there has been a lack of engagement on Escom’s part,” he said.
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