Zambian utility asks mining firms to cut electricity usage as power output drops

LUSAKA (Reuters) - Zambia's state-owned power firm has asked mining companies to cut back on electricity usage due to reduced generation following a drop in water levels at hydropower stations and ongoing engineering upgrades. "We have asked mining companies who are our largest customers to reduce their usage of electricity as we try to manage this situation," ZESCO Ltd's spokeswoman Bessie Banda, said on Thursday. Mining companies operating in Zambia include Glencore, Canada's First Quantum Minerals , Vedanta Resources and Barrick Gold. (Reporting by Chris Mfula; Editing by James Macharia)