Why did Mozambique cut its electricity supply?

(Bloomberg) -- Electricity supplies to Mozambique’s southern regions, including the capital Maputo, have been cut by about a third as the output of two key power plants was disrupted by ongoing protests against disputed Oct. 9 elections. Most Read from Bloomberg

What happened in Mozambique?

Post-election protests in Mozambique paralysed two power plants on Saturday, the national utility said as deadly unrest rocks the southern African nation. The ruling Frelimo party, in power since 1975, was declared winner of the October 9 polls but the results were denounced as fraudulent by the opposition.

Why is Mozambique a major energy exporter?

Mozambique is a net exporter of energy to countries in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) – South Africa being the largest importer. The government view energy exports as a key driver of the Mozambican economy, having passed a new electricity law that simplifies permitting and encourages IPPs activities.

Where does Mozambique get its electricity from?

Mozambique has the 14th-largest natural gas reserves in the world. Over 74% of its electricity comes from hydropower, mainly generated at the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric dam. But the government agreed to export over 80% of this hydropower to South Africa under a 1969 agreement for South Africa to finance the dam’s construction.

Does Mozambique have an unreliable supply of electricity?

We found that 95% of Mozambique’s small businesses rely on electricity, mostly from the national grid, to produce the goods they sell. They use electricity productively to generate sustainable livelihoods and create jobs. Yet 86% of the small enterprises we interviewed said they had an unreliable supply of electricity.

Why did Mozambique shut down 300 megawatts of power?

In neighboring Zambia, 300 megawatts of power imports from Mozambique have been halted after state-owned utility Zesco Ltd. received notification of an “indefinite unavailability of power exports” related to the shutdowns. A severe drought has sapped Zambia’s hydro power generation, which supplies the bulk of its electricity.