Power boost hope! EGENCO completes major repairs on Nkula B unit

There could be relief on the horizon for Malawians battling electricity shortages after EGENCO announced it expects to restore the crucial Nkula B Unit 6 to service by the end of the week.

The power-generating unit has been out of action since August 2026 following a major mechanical fault involving worn-out thrust bearing pads and defects in the turning assembly.

But EGENCO says repair works have made significant progress, raising hopes that the machine will soon be feeding electricity back into the national grid.

Communications Manager Moses Gwaza said engineers have successfully repaired damaged generator bearing components, including the shaft, replaced a faulty transformer and completed major mechanical and electrical rehabilitation works.

“The maintenance and rehabilitation works of the machine are advancing well,” Gwaza said.

The power utility is now carrying out final commissioning and performance tests to ensure the repaired equipment is safe and reliable before reconnecting it to the grid.

The restoration of Unit 6 is expected to provide a welcome boost to electricity generation capacity at a time when demand for power remains high.