Safetricity

Online reports suggest that the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) has introduced a plan to improve interconnections and cross border energy transmission between countries in the Southern Africa region. They’ve hired Climate Fund Managers (CFM) to manage a fund called the Regional Transmission Infrastructure Financing Facility (RTIFF), which aims to raise $1.3 billion to improve cross-border electricity transmission. It uses a "blended finance" approach, combining public and private money to reduce risks for investors. Energy transmission projects are usually expensive and risky, making it hard for governments to fund them alone. RTIFF solves this by using public funds to attract private investment, encouraging economic growth, reliable energy supply, and the use of renewable energy. SAPP has already committed $20 million to kick-start the fund, aiming to raise $500 million by 2025 and reach the $1.3 billion target within two years. The fund will last for 20-25 years and focus on projects that connect more countries to the regional power grid, reduce bottlenecks, support electricity trade across continents, and expand renewable energy. Great initiative from SAPP! This will definitely strengthen the region’s power grid by expanding infrastructure that enables countries to share electricity more effectively, especially in light of the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy. #Safetricity

POWER SUPPLY IMPROVEMENT In recent days, we've observed a significant improvement in the power supply, with over 15 hours of electricity available daily in most areas. We extend our gratitude to ZESCO Limited and all relevant stakeholders for their hard work and dedication in achieving this milestone. As we enjoy this progress, we encourage everyone to maintain energy-saving habits such as switching off non-essential loads, unused lighting and alliances and to continue using alternative energy sources, such as solar power, LPG. This will help reduce reliance on the grid and ensure sustainable energy supply for our country especially in light of a possible drought again this year. #Safetricity #EnergyEfficiency

In August 2024, during the Southern African Climate Outlook Forum, local, regional, and international weather experts provided a forecast for the 2024/2025 rainfall season. They predicted that Zambia and the surrounding region would receive normal to above-normal rainfall. Following this forecast, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) allocated 27 billion cubic meters of water for power generation at the Kariba Dam, to be shared equally between Zambia and Zimbabwe. In October, the Zambian Meteorological Department predicted consistent rainfall across most parts of Zambia by mid November, which did not materialize. Reports now suggest that a moderate and relatively dry airflow from the southeast continues to dominate, resulting in warm to hot weather conditions over most parts of the country. This highlights the unpredictable nature of climate change and its devastating impact on energy and food security. Efforts to use energy and water resources prudently and transitioning to sustainable alternatives such as solar power, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and energy efficiency measures must continue. It is important to continue to raise consistent and intentional awareness, providing practical tips and strategies to help manage the limited resources available in order to better manage the impact of climate change on energy stability and sustainability.

BEWARE OF BLACK FRIDAY DEALS: UPTO 50% OFF, BUT MAY BE 100% MORE COSTLY WHEN ON This black Friday, don't get caught up in the hype. When you shop for electrical and electronic items, don't buy on price alone. Check that the item you purchase is safe and energy efficient to avoid higher energy costs in the long run. #Safetricity #EnergyEfficiency #blackfridaydeals

UNDERSTANDING COMPLETE POWER OUTAGES It must be noted that complete power outages in an interconnected power system can occur due to unforeseen technical faults, wear and tear, or external factors such as environmental conditions. While regular maintenance significantly reduces the risk of failures, it cannot entirely eliminate downtime or unexpected failures. The most important consideration is to ensure that essential installations, such as hospitals, data centers, airports and key sections of the mines etc. are equipped with reliable backup systems. These systems must be ready to operate during emergencies to safeguard lives, maintain essential services and ensure business continuity. #Safetricity

Wonderful Group Zambia Board Chairperson Gilbert Temba has announced plans to invest in the energy sector by constructing a 600MW thermal power plant at an estimated cost of $900 million. This initiative represents the company's response to climate induced challenges and their strategy for future investments. Credit: News Diggers

GRID RETURN WILL COME AT A COST FOR SOLAR USERS Eskom, says customers who dump the power utility to use solar and renewable energy will be charged when they want to connect to the grid again. Eskom’s CFO Calib Cassim says if customers dump Eskom it must be "24/7 365 days" and not use Eskom as their battery. What are your thoughts? Credit: Newzroom Africa

The main hazards associated with electricity include: 1. Electric shock and burns from contact with live parts 2. Injuries from exposure to arcing 3. Fires caused by faulty electrical equipment or installations 4. Explosions resulting from unsuitable electrical equipment or static electricity igniting flammable vapors or dust Stay Safe! Identify risks, institute correct actions and use safe, well-maintained equipment every time as the above hazards can result in life threatening injuries or death. #Safetricity #ElectricalSafety

High wattage appliances such as electric kettles, portable heaters and pressing irons may not be connected to an extension cord unless a heavy duty extension cord rated for their wattage is used. Please note that these appliances draw a considerable amount of power and can easily overload the extension cord, leading to overheating, melting of the cord/plugs and potentially causing a fire. Always plug them directly into a wall socket outlet. #Safetricity #ElectricalSafety

Most lightning strike victims are people who regularly work outdoors or participate in outdoor recreational activities. Construction and farming are the two occupations most commonly affected. To stay safe, seek shelter immediately when a storm approaches and avoid resuming outdoor activities until it's safe. #Safetricity #LightningSafety