Malawi has an installed capacity of 583MW and operating capacity 240MW[1] which is dominated by around 98% hydro power from the Shire River and heavy fuel oils.

The Ministry of Energy is responsible for the national energy policy and coordination of the activities in the energy sector. The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) is the national power utility which has the mandate for Electricity Transmission; System and Market Operation (SMO); Single Buyer SB); Distribution as well as import and export of electricity. The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) is responsible for regulating the energy sector to ensure fairness, transparency, efficiency and cost effectiveness for the benefit of the consumers and operators. The Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) is an independent public entity that is responsible for power generation. Malawi is a member of the Southern Africa Power Pool and a member of the Regional Energy Regulators Association where it is represented by the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA). The Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) initiative was established to increase access to electricity in rural areas.

The average national electricity access is around 11.1% comprising 54% urban and 7% rural access, respectively. 

[1] SAPP, 2022