Energy Efficient Lighting in Malawi

Coordinated a 3-year national energy efficiency program. The supply and demand scenarios in the Malawi Electricity Sector showed a trend of significant capacity shortage due to an increase in demand averaging 7% per year. Before the start of the program, the system average peak load was around 295 MW, while the available capacity was around 255 MW which equated to a power shortage of 14%. In addition, there were around 13,000 customers waiting to be connected and ESCOM estimates the total demand to be around 334 MW. Load shedding and power outages are used extensively to ration power.

 

The Program involves the distribution of 2 million CFLs nationwide covering all customers. The residential customers, small enterprises and public buildings were provided with direct replacement of their existing incandescent bulbs to CFLs free-of-charge. The commercial and industrial customers would have the option of purchasing CFLs at subsidised prices via retail outlets. The support provided also included the capacity building for utility and energy staff, design of a Revolving Fund, design of a follow-up DSM Program, and development of an incandescent bulb phase out policy and MEPS for CFLs.
 

The following results were achieved:

• 15% peak electricity demand reduction.

• £61 million NPV.

• Acquired 18,000+ new customers.

• Delivered 30% savings on customer bills.