Trystan Casey
Malawi is one of the world's most energy-deprived countries, with approximately 85% of households living without electricity. The country's primary electric company is the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), which was incorporated under the Companies Act of the Republic of Malawi in 1998 as a limited liability company. ESCOM is responsible for the bulk purchase, transmission, and distribution of electricity to consumers. In 2017, ESCOM was split into two companies: Electricity Generation Company Malawi Limited (Egenco) and ESCOM. Egenco, a state-owned enterprise, is responsible for power generation, while ESCOM retained its original role.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Electricity Generation Company Malawi Limited |
| Alternate Names | EGENCO, Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (ESCOM), ESCOM Ltd. |
| Type | Parastatal company, state-owned |
| Purpose | Generate electric power for use in Malawi and possible sale to neighboring countries |
| Operations | Operation, maintenance, and improvement of power stations owned by the Malawian government |
| Generation Capacity (as of May 2021) | 441.55 megawatts (592,130 hp) |
| Headquarters | Chayamba Building, 7 Victoria Avenue, Blantyre, Malawi |
| CEO | William Liabunya |
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What You'll Learn
- The Electricity Generation Company Malawi Limited (Egenco) is Malawi's state-owned electricity company
- Egenco's generation capacity was 351 megawatts in April 2018, increasing to 441.55 megawatts in May 2021
- ESCOM Ltd, a public utility, was incorporated in 1998 under the Companies Act of Malawi
- ESCOM has an estimated 200,000 customers and three subsidiaries: Southern Electricity Supply, Central Electricity Supply, and Northern Electricity Supply
- ESCOM is responsible for the bulk purchase, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Malawi
The Electricity Generation Company Malawi Limited (Egenco) is Malawi's state-owned electricity company
The Electricity Generation Company Malawi Limited, or Egenco, is Malawi's state-owned electricity company. Egenco's primary purpose is to generate electric power for use in Malawi, with a capacity of 351 megawatts as of April 2018. This increased to 441.55 megawatts in May 2021 when the Tedzani IV Hydroelectric Power Station was brought online. The company is headquartered in Blantyre, the country's financial capital and largest city.
Egenco was established in 2017 when the Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (ESCOM), which was the monopoly in the country, was split into two companies. Egenco took on the role of electricity generation, while ESCOM retained the role of bulk purchaser, transmitter, and distributor. ESCOM, a public utility, was incorporated in 1998 and is almost wholly owned by the Government of Malawi. It has an estimated 200,000 customers and its total installed capacity is estimated at 304 MW, with most of its energy generated by hydropower.
Egenco has been working to improve its power plants and infrastructure. For example, it has rehabilitated, upgraded, and modernized the Nkula A Hydropower Plant with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development and Power Africa. The plant's original nameplate capacity of 36 MW was restored from previous operations at 24 MW. Egenco has also been working to diversify its power sources, including through solar energy projects. The company is expected to benefit from a 50-megawatt solar farm deal in Mzuzu, which will help ensure a reliable power supply and boost productivity in Malawi.
Egenco has also been collaborating with other organizations to promote various initiatives. For instance, it partnered with the Malawi University of Science and Technology to organize an industrial tour for the 2024 Girl's Science Camp. The company has also been working with Power Africa to improve its commercial performance and increase electricity generation. Power Africa provides geospatial data and techniques to help solar companies prioritize markets for increased sales and greater energy access in Malawi.
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Egenco's generation capacity was 351 megawatts in April 2018, increasing to 441.55 megawatts in May 2021
The Electricity Generation Company (Malawi) Limited, commonly known as Egenco, is a company that generates electricity in Malawi. Egenco operates four hydro power stations: Nkula, Tedzani, Kapichira, and Wovve. The company also operates thermal and solar power plants.
Egenco's generation capacity has increased significantly over the years. In April 2018, Malawi's total installed electricity-generating capacity was 363 megawatts, with Egenco's capacity at 351 megawatts. This represented a significant portion of the country's total capacity. By May 2021, Egenco's generation capacity had increased to 441.55 megawatts, comprising 390.55 megawatts from hydro power plants and 51.4 megawatts from thermal power plants. This increase in capacity is a positive development for Malawi, which has a low per capita consumption of electrical energy. As of 2018, the country's per capita consumption was estimated at 93 kWh per year, far below the average for Sub-Saharan Africa (432 kWh) and the world average (2167 kWh per year).
Egenco has been working to improve its generation capacity and diversify its power sources. The company has engaged with various stakeholders and initiatives to achieve these goals. For example, Egenco is expected to benefit from a 50-megawatt solar farm deal in Mzuzu, which aims to ensure a reliable power supply and boost productivity in Malawi. Additionally, Egenco has partnered with the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) to promote education and awareness about its operations.
Egenco's efforts to increase its generation capacity are aligned with initiatives like Power Africa, which aims to assist Malawi in improving electricity availability, reliability, and access. With continued development and support, Egenco is striving to enhance its electricity generation capacity and contribute to the country's overall energy landscape.
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ESCOM Ltd, a public utility, was incorporated in 1998 under the Companies Act of Malawi
The company has a multiple reporting structure. It reports through its Board of Directors to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs on all technical and related policy matters. It also reports to the Department of Statutory Corporation on administrative matters and to the Ministry of Finance on finance and budgetary matters.
ESCOM was formerly known as the Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi, a monopoly in the country's electricity market. In 2015, the government of Malawi began planning to unbundle the company to allow private investors to enter the market. As a result, in 2017, ESCOM was split into two companies: Electricity Generation Company Malawi Limited (Egenco) and ESCOM Ltd. Egenco assumed responsibility for electricity generation, while ESCOM retained the roles of bulk purchasing, transmission, and distribution.
ESCOM Ltd is now a public utility company that builds, owns, maintains, and operates transmission and distribution assets throughout Malawi. It is almost wholly owned by the Government of Malawi (99%), with the remaining 1% of shares held by the Malawi Development Corporation (MDC).
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ESCOM has an estimated 200,000 customers and three subsidiaries: Southern Electricity Supply, Central Electricity Supply, and Northern Electricity Supply
The Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (ESCOM) is a public utility company that transmits, distributes, and supplies electricity throughout the country. It was incorporated in 1998 as a limited liability company under the Companies Act of the Republic of Malawi. ESCOM has an estimated 200,000 customers and serves as a crucial pillar in the country's energy sector.
To effectively manage its operations, ESCOM has established three subsidiaries: Southern Electricity Supply (SES), Central Electricity Supply (CES), and Northern Electricity Supply. These subsidiaries enable ESCOM to efficiently manage the vast geography of Malawi and ensure a stable supply of electricity to its diverse customer base.
Southern Electricity Supply, as the name suggests, focuses on the southern regions of Malawi. It works closely with local communities and industries in the area to ensure a reliable and consistent power supply. The subsidiary has implemented several initiatives to enhance the reliability of the power grid and improve overall customer satisfaction.
Central Electricity Supply is responsible for the central region of Malawi. This subsidiary plays a pivotal role in managing the electricity demands of the country's economic and industrial heartland. Collaborating closely with local businesses and industries, Central Electricity Supply strives to maintain a stable power supply to support the region's economic growth and development.
Northern Electricity Supply, the third subsidiary, serves the northern regions of Malawi. Recognizing the unique challenges and geographical considerations of the north, this subsidiary tailors its operations to meet the specific needs of the local communities. Northern Electricity Supply works closely with local leaders and organizations to ensure that the region's power supply is well-maintained and that any disruptions are promptly addressed.
Through these three subsidiaries, ESCOM ensures a comprehensive and equitable distribution of electricity across Malawi. Each subsidiary is dedicated to serving its respective region, allowing for more localized and responsive management of the country's power supply. This structure enables ESCOM to better address the diverse needs and challenges faced by different areas of the country, ultimately enhancing the overall reliability and accessibility of electricity for Malawians.
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ESCOM is responsible for the bulk purchase, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Malawi
The Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi, or ESCOM, is responsible for the bulk purchase, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Malawi. ESCOM is a state-owned company that was incorporated under the Companies Act of the Republic of Malawi in 1998 as a limited liability company. It is owned almost entirely by the Government of Malawi (99%), with the remaining 1% of shares held by the Malawi Development Corporation (MDC).
ESCOM's total installed capacity is estimated at 304 MW, with approximately 285 MW (94%) generated by hydropower and 19 MW (6%) generated thermally. The company serves an estimated 200,000 customers and runs projects to ensure smooth electricity transmission.
In 2015, the Government of Malawi began planning to unbundle ESCOM to allow private investors to enter the market. This resulted in ESCOM being split into two companies in January 2017: Electricity Generation Company Malawi Limited (Egenco) and ESCOM. Egenco took on the role of electricity generation, while ESCOM retained the responsibilities of bulk purchasing, transmission, and distribution.
ESCOM continues to play a crucial role in Malawi's energy sector, undergoing reforms to align with the Energy Policy of 2003, which calls for the liberalization of the power supply industry. The company has established Business Units of Generation, Transmission, and Distribution to facilitate commercial transactions and improve the quality of power supply to its customers.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the electric company in Malawi is the Electricity Generation Company (Malawi) Limited, also known as EGENCO.
EGENCO's primary purpose is to generate electric power for use in Malawi and for possible sale to neighbouring countries.
As of April 2018, EGENCO's generation capacity was 351 megawatts. In May 2021, this increased to 441.55 megawatts.
EGENCO CEO William Liabunya has acknowledged the growth in gender equality within the company thanks to the support of Power Africa's initiatives.
