Zambia will next year face increased power cuts due to the high demand for electricity created by investments in the country's mining industry, the state-owned energy supplier said on Monday.

"We are expecting more load shedding next year because of the investment in the mining and agriculture sectors," said Cyprian Chitundu, head of the Zambian Electricity Supply Company (ZESCO).

In 2010, Zambia's copper mines, which account for 80 percent of export earnings, are anticipating increased productivity following large investments from Chinese and Indian companies.

"We should start looking at small hydro power projects because they are going to help us to reduce the current and future load shedding that the country will face," said Chitundu.

Zambia generates about 1400 megawatts of electricity but demand rises to 1500 megawatts at peak hours.

"We need investors that will put up a small hydro power project to meet the demand... we are asking the government to support and encourage investment in this sector, Chitundu said.

AFP

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