ZESCO Limited is a parastatal company formed after the enactment of the Zambia Electricity Supply Act. It was established in 1970, and its governance has evolved over time to one that defines an arms-length relationship with Zambian Government.

The company currently owns eight hydropower stations with a combined capacity of 2,216 MW and diesel power plants with a combined capacity of 8 MW, resulting in a total installed capacity of 2,224 MW. The company also has power distribution and transmission lines of 15,142 km.