Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has demanded the immediate publication of all contracts involving the rental of diesel generators by EGENCO and ESCOM, warning that consumers could ultimately be left to shoulder the cost of an expensive arrangement that has failed to end persistent power blackouts.
CAMA Executive Director John Kapito made the call in a statement issued on September 3, 2026, saying Malawians have a right to know how public electricity resources are being spent.
Kapito said the electricity companies should disclose the cost of the generator rentals, duration of the contracts and ownership of the companies supplying the generators.
According to CAMA, transparency is particularly important because Malawi is already facing serious fuel shortages and foreign exchange constraints, making continued dependence on diesel-powered electricity an increasingly costly option.
CAMA questions value of generator rentals
CAMA argues that renting diesel generators has not provided a lasting solution to Malawi’s electricity crisis, with consumers continuing to experience persistent blackouts.
The consumer rights body is now warning that the costs associated with the generator arrangements could eventually translate into higher electricity tariffs, potentially placing an additional financial burden on already struggling households and businesses.
“Consumers should not be made to bear the financial consequences of costly electricity arrangements that have not resolved the country’s persistent power supply challenges,” CAMA said.
The organisation has therefore called for an immediate suspension of new generator rental agreements until an independent assessment establishes whether the arrangements provide value for money.
Parliament urged to scrutinise contracts
CAMA has also called on Parliament to scrutinise existing generator rental arrangements and ensure that the contracts are subjected to proper public accountability.
The organisation says details surrounding the agreements should not remain hidden from consumers who ultimately pay for electricity services.
The call comes amid continued public concern over Malawi’s electricity supply situation, with businesses and households repeatedly affected by unreliable power.
CAMA wants investment in permanent solutions
Rather than continuing to spend money on temporary diesel generation, CAMA says EGENCO and ESCOM should prioritise investment in electricity infrastructure.
The organisation has specifically called for greater attention to the repair and expansion of transformers, cables and other electricity infrastructure, while also pursuing cleaner and more sustainable sources of power.
CAMA maintains that diesel generators may provide temporary relief, but they should not become a substitute for long-term investment in Malawi’s electricity generation and distribution system.
The consumer rights body is now putting pressure on EGENCO, ESCOM and Parliament to provide greater transparency over the generator contracts and demonstrate that public resources are being used efficiently.
For CAMA, the central question is straightforward: if consumers are ultimately paying for the electricity, they deserve to know exactly how much the generator arrangements are costing and whether they are delivering value for money.
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