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A power outage that has lasted for three consecutive days within Gweru’s Central Business District (CBD) has negatively affected businesses.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) on Saturday said the power outage was caused by a cable fault and was being attended to.
Banks and some retail shops have resorted to using generators, while Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the tailoring industry, have lost significant business as they could not fulfill orders for uniforms, with schools opening this week.
The power outage has also affected internet services and voice calls, making it challenging for residents to purchase electricity coupons and conduct mobile money transactions.
According to a notice by ZETDC, the affected areas are as follows:
<blockquote>
Main Street, Robert Mugabe Avenue, 8th Street, Jason Moyo Avenue, Bahadur Centre, First Mutual Building, Old Zesa District Offices, Magistrate Courts, ZRP Central Office, Bensam Flats, Nice Time, DCK, Chitukuko, Zuva Garage, Old Mutual Building, Nandos, Teachers Furnitures, Econet Wireless, Moonlight Building, Shopwell Building, Glow Petroleum, NSSA, Educare, Legion Bar, 5 th, 6 th, 7th, ZBC, Police Main Camp, Gweru East – Princess, Simpson Road, Strand Road, Kent Crescent, Kopje Road and the surrounding areas.
</blockquote>
The power outage comes at a time when the electricity situation in the country has vastly improved compared to the first quarter of 2023.
The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) on Friday said it was generating a total of 1 555 MW from two power stations, that is, Hwange Power Station (665 MW) and Kariba Power Station (890 MW), which is nearly enough to meet the country’s power needs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

ZESA Cable Fault Plunges Gweru CBD Into Darkness

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has announced electricity tariffs effective 31 July 2023.
ZETDC said consumers will get the following on their first purchase (domestic tariff):
50 Units / kWh – $1 790.00
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100 Units / kWh – $21 550.00
150 Units / kWh – $45 500.00
200 Units / kWh – $69 450.00
250 Units / kWh – $102 950.00
300 Units / kWh – $136 450.00
350 Units / kWh – $174 750.00
400 Units / kWh – $213 050.00
450 Units / kWh – $253 750.00
500 Units / kWh – $294 450.00
600 Units / kWh – $375 850.00
700 Units / kWh – $457 218.00
800 Units / kWh – $538 600.00
900 Units / kWh – $620 000.00
1000 Units / kWh – $701 450.00
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-261544 size-full" decoding="async" height="513" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 816px) 100vw, 816px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ZETDC-1.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ZETDC-1.jpg 816w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ZETDC-1-300x189.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ZETDC-1-768x483.jpg 768w" width="816"/><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-261545 size-full" decoding="async" height="349" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 815px) 100vw, 815px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ZETDC-2.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ZETDC-2.jpg 815w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ZETDC-2-300x128.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ZETDC-2-768x329.jpg 768w" width="815"/>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
</div>
</div>

ZESA Electricity Tariffs Effective 31 July 2023

ZESA Holdings is managing its water allocation from the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) for power generation at Kariba South Bank Hydro Power Plant to ensure that it does not exhaust its share prematurely.
This was said by ZESA consultant (international business) Cletus Nyachowe during <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/hwange-units-1-6-refurb-begins">an interview</a> with State media. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zambezi River Authority, which manages water in Kariba Dam and allocates a certain amount of water to ZPC and ZESCO of Zambia for power generation, has given us the latitude to vary our power output from Kariba on condition that our overall water condition is maintained within its set limits.
Another point you may want to note is that when you see us generating between 800MW and 892MW at Kariba, that power output is probably on for an hour or less.
During the day, it is regulated up and down as and when required. So, normally that maximum output is only generated during peak demand periods.
We are operating Kariba very carefully and within our water limits.
</blockquote>
In January this year, ZRA announced plans to review the Tripartite Water Purchase Agreement to stiffen penalties against the over-utilisation of Lake Kariba and Zambezi River water.
ZRA Chief Executive, Munyaradzi Munodawafa said the Council of Ministers Resolution needed to be fully implemented to effectively regulate the utilisation of water.
He made the remarks during his visit to the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project site.
In November 2022, ZRA which runs the Kariba Dam <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/severe-load-shedding-looms-as-zra-tells-zesa-to-shut-down-kariba-power-station/">ordered ZPC to cut electricity generation by half owing to low water levels.</a>
ZRA which is jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia told ZPC that the dam “no longer has any usable water to continue undertaking power generation operations.”
The directive saw ZESA Holdings implementing a tough load-shedding regime that saw consumers being plunged into darkness for at least 20 hours per day.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zambezi River Authority Set Limits On Water Usage At Lake Kariba

ZESA has commenced the refurbishment of Unit 5 at the Hwange Thermal Power Station to extend its lifespan by up to 25 years.
The Unit has an installed capacity to generate 220 megawatts (MW).
The work started immediately after the successful synchronisation of the new Units, 7 and 8 this year, and is expected to be completed in 2024.
In 2022, the Government secured a US$310 million loan from India’s Export and Import Bank to fund an extensive overhaul of Units 1-6 at Hwange.
The funds for the project, however, are yet to be released.
In an interview, with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/hwange-units-1-6-refurb-begins">The Sunday Mail</a>, ZESA consultant Cletus Nyachowe said the power utility was using its funds to kickstart the project. Nyachowe said:
<blockquote>
To enable the disbursement of the US$310 million, the lenders would like to know the exact scope of the work that needs to be done, and that comes in the form of a detailed project report (DPR).
So, ZESA, together with our consultant, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), have produced that DPR which has been submitted to the financiers and they are looking at that report.
As ZESA and ZPC, we have been proactive; even before the disbursement of that US$310 million, we have started the refurbishment programme with Unit 5 already undergoing an overhaul.
Work has already started using our internal resources and we should be through with the first unit during the third quarter of 2024.
</blockquote>
He added that ZESA will decommission one Unit at a time for refurbishment. Said Nyachowe:
<blockquote>
It will take an average of five to six months to refurbish each unit over a period of five to six years.
So, you can see it is quite an extensive project, which will not be finished in the short-term, but will proceed over five to six years.
</blockquote>
The refurbishment of the six units, which were commissioned between 1983 and 1987, is expected to restore generation capacity to about 9 00MW.
Combined with the two new units, Hwange would then have an installed capacity of more than 1 400MW, making it the biggest power plant in the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Commences Hwange Units 1 To 6 Refurbishment

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/ZESA">ZESA Holdings</a>, has increased electricity tariffs with effect from 06 June 2023.
In a notice seen by <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>, ZETDC said consumers will get the following on their first purchase (domestic tariff):
50 Units / kWh – $3 755.00
100 Units / kWh – $11 280.00
150 Units / kWh – $24 450.00
200 Units / kWh – $37 630.00
250 Units / kWh – $56 430.00
300 Units / kWh – $75 240.00
350 Units / kWh – $96 850.00 
400 Units / kWh – $118 450.00
450 Units / kWh – $141 000.00
500 Units / kWh – $163 550.00
600 Units / kWh – $208 680.00
700 Units / kWh – $253 750.00
800 Units / kWh – $298 900.00
900 Units / kWh – $344 000.00
1000 Units / kWh – $389 100.00
CONSUMPTION              BAND                                 ENERGYY CHG PER kWh               AMOUNT
First 50                      0-50kWh           50kWh                              75.08                            3754.00
Next 50                     51-100kWh         50kWh                              150.00                            7500.00
Next 100                   101-200               100kWh                            263.73                            26373.00
Next 100                   201-300kWh      100kWh                            376.50                            37650.00
Next 100                   301-400kWh       100kWh                            432.40                            43240.00
Above 400                                                                                            451.60
FARMING: ZWL$191.75/kWh
COMMERCIAL: ZWL$421.69/kWh
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Hikes Electricity Tariffs By More Than 100%

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/ZESA">ZESA Holdings</a>, has increased electricity tariffs with effect from 1 June 2023.
In a notice seen by <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>, ZETDC said consumers will get the following on their first purchase (domestic tariff):
50 Units / kWh – $1 680.00
100 Units / kWh – $5 040.00
150 Units / kWh – $10 930.00
200 Units / kWh – $16 815.00
250 Units / kWh – $25 230.00
300 Units / kWh – $33 640.00
350 Units / kWh – $43 310.00
400 Units / kWh – $52 970.00
450 Units / kWh – $63 060.00
500 Units / kWh – $73 140.00
600 Units / kWh – $93 320.00
700 Units / kWh – $113 490.00
800 Units / kWh – $133 660.00
900 Units / kWh – $153 840.00
1000 Units / kWh – $174 000.00
CONSUMPTION              BAND                                 ENERGYY CHG PER kWh               AMOUNT
First 50                      0-50kWh           50kWh                               33.60                            1680.00
Next 50                     51-100kWh         50kWh                              67.37                            3368.50
Next 100                   101-200               100kWh                            118.03                            11803.00
Next 100                   201-300kWh      100kWh                            168.51                            16851.00
Next 100                   301-400kWh       100kWh                            193.63                            19363.00
Above 400                                                                                            202.10
FARMING ZWL$85.75/kWh
COMMERCIAL ZWL$188.58/kWh
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Electricity Tariffs Effective 01 June 2023

<a href="https://pindula.co.zw/ZESA">ZESA Holdings</a> chief executive Howard Choga has said the power utility aims to more than double national grid capacity by 2025 to meet increasing demand mainly driven by the mining industry.
Addressing a mining conference on Thursday in Victoria Falls, Choga said that ZESA expects to add 2 300 MW to the grid by 2025. <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/zimbabwe-aims-double-power-output-by-2025-meet-mining-demand-2023-06-01/?rpc=401&amp;">Reuters</a> quoted Choga as saying:
<blockquote>
We expect that by 2025, we would have added 2 300 MW to the grid. I must say over 80% of the 2 300 MW is demand from miners.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe currently has a generating capacity of 2 000 megawatts (MW) but is producing less than 1 500 MW due to regular breakdowns at its thermal power stations and low water levels at Kariba Dam for the Kariba Hydropower plant.
As of Thursday, 01 June 2023, the Zimbabwe Power Company, a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, was generating a total of 1 423 MW.
Choga also revealed that Zambia and Mozambique cut off electricity supplies to Zimbabwe over failure to pay for imports. He said:
<blockquote>
We have had a discontinuation of supply from Zambia and Mozambique because we failed to pay. After accumulated bills imports were then discontinued on March 13.
</blockquote>
In December 2021, the Government unveiled incentives meant to help bring 1 100 MW of new solar projects on stream by 2025 but little progress has been made due to a lack of investment in new energy projects.
At the conference, miners complained of losing up to 12 hours of production time daily due to power cuts.
Zimbabweans are spending more than 12 hours each day without electricity both at home and at the office. 
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) recently offered some tips on managing electricity usage in the office saying this helps alleviate pressure on the grid. Here are the tips:
<ul>
<li>Replace all incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs).</li>
<li>During the day, where possible, use natural lighting from windows rather than using lights.</li>
<li>Switch off all lights when leaving the office.</li>
<li>Switch off computers and printers from the plug, when leaving the office. Appliances on standby mode still consume energy.</li>
<li>Insulate water heaters, hot water piping, and tanks to reduce heat loss.</li>
<li>Invest in energy-efficient air conditioning systems and energy-efficient electronic devices. Opt for fan heaters instead of element heaters.</li>
<li>Go green, and use renewable energy. Consider installing solar panels for other energy needs, and sell the excess to the grid.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Aims To Add 2 300 MW To The Grid By 2025

ZESA Holdings says it has ring-fenced 120MW for the 2023 winter wheat season to ensure that the country attains the Government’s target of 85000 hectares.
In a statement, the power utility also said it has established support groups for winter wheat farmers where they can report faults so that they are fixed expeditiously. ZESA said:
<blockquote>
Subsequent to the recent update on the power supply situation on 25 April 2023, ZESA Holdings is pleased to announce that mechanisms have been put in place to guarantee electricity supply to all the Winter Wheat Farmers across the country.
The utility is cognisant of its role and expectations in powering this sector to achieve wheat self-sufficiency and meet the Government’s target of 85000 Hectares for the year 2023.
Accordingly, the utility has put in place the requisite modalities to ring-fence 120MW towards this national initiative.
Furthermore, in a bid to minimize the duration of power outages due to network faults throughout the season, the utility has established support groups for winter wheat farmers for effective communication and expeditious resolution of faults.
Wheat farmers are urged to join these groups through their cluster leadership.
Our National Contact Centre will be available for the continuous and timeous support of farmers throughout the season.
</blockquote>
In 2022, Zimbabwe registered its largest wheat harvest, 375 000 tonnes, making the country self-sufficient.
The harvest in 2022 was 13% higher than the previous year, breaking a half-century-old record.
Zimbabwe has been one of the few African countries to attain self-sufficiency in wheat production.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Allocates 120MW To Winter Wheat Farmers

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has said the prepaid vending system has been restored and customers can now use the platform to buy electricity tokens.
Earlier, ZETDC, a subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), had said the system would be down from the 5th to the 6th of May due to scheduled maintenance. It said:
<blockquote>
This notice serves to advise all Valued Clients on the unavailability of the prepaid electricity token purchase system from 5 May 2023 at 1630 hours to 6 May 2023 at 2400 hours. This is to allow for major system maintenance on the prepaid vending system.
Clients are therefore advised to make arrangements to purchase sufficient electricity tokens to sustain them during the service disruption period.
</blockquote>
In a public notice issued on Saturday night, ZETDC said the prepaid vending system has been restored. Said ZETDC:
<blockquote>
Good evening, our valued clients nationwide. Kindly take note, the prepaid vending system has been restored, you can now purchase your electricity tokens through the usual vending platforms.
</blockquote>
Some ZESA customers have experienced challenges when buying electricity tokens.
The problems encountered include delays in receiving tokens, incorrect token codes, unavailability of tokens and poor customer service.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Electricity Prepaid Token Purchase  System Restored

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, says the prepaid electricity token purchase system will not be available from the 5th to the 6th of May 2023.
Initially, ZETDC had said its prepaid electricity token purchase system will not be available from 5 to 7 May, but apparently, the period has been reduced.
In a public notice issued this Saturday, ZETDC advised its customers that they will not be able to buy the prepaid electricity tokens from 4.30 PM on 5 May to midnight on the 6th of May 2023. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
This notice serves to advise all Valued Clients on the unavailability of the prepaid electricity token purchase system from 5 May 2023 at 1630 hours to 6 May 2023 at 2400 hours.
This is to allow for major system maintenance on the prepaid vending system.
Clients are therefore advised to make arrangements to purchase sufficient electricity tokens to sustain them during the service disruption period.
The inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZETDC Prepaid Token System Will Be Down From 5 To 6 May

Zimbabwe’s electricity crisis will not end any time soon after the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) this week cut the amount of water allocated to ZESA and ZESCO for power generation at Kariba Dam.
ZESA and Zambia’s power utility ZESCO, equally share water at Kariba Dam for power generation.
ZRA executive officer Munyaradzi Munodawafa told <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/setback-as-zra-cuts-water-allocation-at-kariba/">Business Times</a> that ZESA and ZESCO are now utilising 15 billion cubic metres each from 22.5 billion cubic metres, which was allocated for the year 2022.
Speaking to the publication on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair International Business Conference on Wednesday, Munodawafa said:
<blockquote>
We have cut the water allocation to 15 billion cubic metres each from 22.5 billion metres with immediate effect. 
Last week, we concluded our water allocation reviews and have since written to the power utilities to adhere to the new limits. We are also going to limit their generation load.
</blockquote>
According to Business Times, this is the second worst allocation in the history of ZRA.
The worst allocation was effected in 1995, when ZRA allocated 11 billion cubic metres to the power utilities.
Munodawafa said the reason for the cut is that the region as a whole did not receive normal to above normal as had been forecasted. He said:
<blockquote>
But this did not happen. On the Zimbabwe side, Gwayi River did not register any flow into the lake Kariba. There were, however, some flashes from Sanyati River.
The Angolan catchment which usually supplies more water into Lake Kariba was also below what it used to do.
But what is funny is that the Kafue catchment in Zambia is actually spilling.
However, we will not be that strict until the end of the winter agriculture season in July.
After July, we will be tough with ZESA and ZESCO. Next year, it’s likely to be worse.
</blockquote>
The water cuts come as ZESA this week said it has been engaging ZRA for “more water allocation”.
ZESA general manager, stakeholder relations, communications and welfare, George Manyaya said told Business Times they haven’t received the letter yet from ZRA on the latest water allocation cut.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZRA Cuts Kariba Dam Water Allocation For Electricity Generation

The ZESA prepaid electricity token purchase system will not be available from the 5th to the 7th of May 2023.
In a public notice, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) said:
<blockquote>
This notice serves to advise all Valued Clients on the unavailability of the prepaid electricity token purchase system from Friday 5th of May 2023 extending to Sunday 7th of May 2023.
This is to allow for major system maintenance on the prepaid vending system.
Clients are therefore advised to make arrangements to purchase sufficient electricity tokens by the 4th of May to sustain them during the service disruption period.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Prepaid Electricity Token Purchase System Set For Scheduled Maintenance

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, has increased electricity tariffs with effect from 1 April 2023.
In a notice seen by <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>, ZETDC said consumers will get the following on their first purchase (domestic tariff):
50 Units / kWh – $1 250.00
100 Units / kWh – $3 750.00
150 Units / kWh – $8 135.00
200 Units / kWh – $12 520.00
250 Units / kWh – $18 775.00
300 Units / kWh – $25 030.00
350 Units / kWh – $32 215.00
400 Units / kWh – $39 400.00
450 Units / kWh – $46 910.00
500 Units / kWh – $54 420.00
600 Units / kWh – $69 420.00
700 Units / kWh – $84 430.00
800 Units / kWh – $99 440.00
900 Units / kWh – $114 450.00
1000 Units / kWh – $129 460.00
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.71">CONSUMPTION</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">BAND</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.19">ENERGY CHG PER kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">AMOUNT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.94">First 50</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=95.06">0-50kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.23">50kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95">24.94</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">1247</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">Next 50</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=92.49">51-100kW</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=97.67">50kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">50.00</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.94">Next 100</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.73">101-200</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=97.49">100kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.89">87.60</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.87">8760</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.94">Next 100</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=90.15">201-300kW</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=97.95">100kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.89">125.06</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95">12506</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.94">Next 100</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=95.41">301-400kW</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.13">100kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95">143.78</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">14378</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">Above 400</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.9">151.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Before the latest tariff hike by ZESA, the power utility last reviewed the cost of electricity on 01 March 2023. The old tariffs are as follows:
<blockquote>
50 Units / kWh – $912.00
100 Units / kWh – $2 740.00
150 Units / kWh – $5 943.00
200 Units / kWh – $9 147.00
250 Units / kWh – $13 720.00
300 Units / kWh – $18 295.00
350 Units / kWh – $23 550.00
400 Units / kWh – $28 806.00
450 Units / kWh – $34 290.00
500 Units / kWh – $39 780.00
600 Units / kWh – $50 750.00
700 Units / kWh – $61 720.00
800 Units / kWh – $72 695.00
900 Units / kWh – $83 670.00
1000 Units / kWh – $94 640.00
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" title="Character Accurarcy=99.85">CONSUMPTION BAND</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.5">ENERGY CHG PER kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96">AMOUNT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.81">First 50</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=95.2">0-50kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=87.26">50kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.94">18.24</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">912</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.81">Next 50</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=41.53">51-100kWI</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=91.42">50kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">36.57</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96">1828.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.82">Next 100</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.84">101-200</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=89.99">100kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92">64.07</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.86">6407</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.7">Next 100</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.06">201-300kW</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=94.13">100kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.89">91.47</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96">9147</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">Next 100</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.9">301-400kW</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=82.52">100kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92">105.12</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95">10512</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">Above 400</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.87">109.70</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Raises Electricity Tariffs Effective 01 April 2023

ZESA Holdings has refused to budge on its position on power billing in US dollars despite calls by captains of industry for more flexibility.
Officials from ZESA Holdings’ subsidiary, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), and captains of industry met a fortnight ago over the issue but the meeting ended in a deadlock after the power utility rejected proposals that were made by industry.
The captains of industry had proposed to have the US dollar bills matched to the proportion of forex sales and this was rejected by ZETDC.
Speaking to <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/deadlock-in-power-tariff-talks/">Business Times</a>, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) president Kurai Matsheza the new tariff announced by ZESA is unsustainable.
ZESA announced power tariffs of US12.21c/kWh for all exporters with other forex earners paying US10.63c/kWh.
Matsheza said that they are now seeking the intervention of Energy and Power Development Minister, Zhemu Soda. He said:
<blockquote>
The business community carried out discussions with ZETDC but no agreement was reached hence we have now requested a meeting with the Energy Minister himself.
So far we haven’t gotten a response on his availability but we wanted to discuss the blanket US$ billing, electricity availability, how the power situation can be addressed, and the bill on forex generation capacity.
</blockquote>
Previously, most customers paid in Zimbabwe dollars, under a stepped billing system where users paid tariffs in line with the amount of electricity used.
Only a few exporters or partial exporters, including miners, paid for electricity in forex. Said Matsheza:
<blockquote>
ZETDC told us the billing in US$ for exporting companies and those who are generating US$ through local sales should pay 100% in forex.
We raised an issue to say these blanket groupings may not be ideal.
Whilst we understand the need to raise US$, why didn’t they look at the individual customer and say to what extent do you generate US$ sales and bill accordingly?
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is facing acute electricity shortages that have resulted in blackouts lasting 18 hours a day for millions of citizens.
The power cuts are being caused by low water levels that have reduced generation from a hydropower plant on Lake Kariba as well as frequent breakdowns at the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009522/ed-demands-re-run-in-violence-hotspots">Pindula News</a>

Deadlock In ZESA, Captains Of Industry Power Tariff Talks

The City of Bulawayo said that it has requested ZESA to give them advance notices of at least an hour before power cuts to allow the local authority to shut down the pumps properly.
Bulawayo City Council has been spending millions of dollars purchasing and installing new water pumps at its main pumping stations to ease Bulawayo’s water problems.
This was said by acting council director of engineering services, Sikhumbuzo Ncube during a stakeholders briefing meeting on Friday.
Ncube said unscheduled power cuts were damaging water pumps. <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/bcc-engages-zesa-on-power-cuts/">The Sunday News</a> quoted Ncube as saying:
<blockquote>
The kind of pumps that we have need proper shutdown of at least an hour or so. The challenge is that there is no proper power cut schedule which then affects our pumps. 
Council has requested ZESA to give advance notices of at least an hour to enable procedural shutdown of pumps.
We have also engaged the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and this led to the installation of a 500 Kva transformer with enough capacity to power one booster for the pumps.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is suffering a prolonged power shortage, especially after its main Kariba hydropower plant in December 2022 cut electricity generation due to low water levels.
The problem has been compounded by frequent breakdowns at Hwange Thermal Power Station, the shortage of coal to fire Harare, Bulawayo and Munyati power stations, and failure to pay for power imports from neighbouring countries.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo City Council Engages ZESA On Power Cuts

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) said that its electricity token purchase system is currently down.
In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, ZETDC, a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, said the challenge is affecting its customers countrywide. ZETDC said:
<blockquote>
We would like to advise you that our electricity token purchase system is currently down.
Our team is working flat out to ensure the restoration of service. The inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.
</blockquote>
ZETDC, however, did not give the timeframe for when its electricity token purchase system is expected to be up and running again.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Electricity Token Purchase System Down

Energy and Power Development Minister Zhemu Soda said that members of the public who assist ZESA workers to come and fix faults in their neighborhoods are not forced to do so.
Reports claim that ZESA customers across the country are sometimes asked to contribute various amounts of money to enable ZESA to attend to their faults.
According to <a href="https://openparly.com/people-voluntarily-assist-zesa-no-one-is-forced-says-govt/">Open Parly</a>, some ZESA customers have contributed towards buying transformers, transformer oil and other service parts.
The issue was recently raised in the National Assembly by Makoni Central MP, David Tekeshe (MDC Alliance).
In his response, Soda said people who help ZESA do so voluntarily without any kind of compulsion. He said:
<blockquote>
That is not Government policy where people are now expected to buy fuel and donate their cars for ZESA technicians to use for repairs or any work related to electricity. This is witnessed especially from farmers.
The farmers kindly ask for technicians to come and assist them by sending transport so that they immediately attend to their problem because sometimes they are told that technicians would have gone out to attend to other faults.
What is happening now is that any technician who volunteers to do such a job, they are supposed to sign a document that they are volunteering to offer those services as well as fuel to ZESA and this is for accountability purposes.
People are not forced to do that but they do it voluntarily. What is happening right now is, those who volunteer to assist ZESA are supposed to complete those documents and there should be supervision to ensure that work is properly done.
Sometimes ZESA workers may also go to ZESA and claim that they used their own fuel after being given that fuel by the customer. I thank you.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Minister Soda Says Households, Businesses That Assist ZESA Do So Voluntarily

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has increased electricity tariffs with effect from 1 March 2023.
In a notice seen by <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>, ZETDC said consumers will get the following on their first purchase (domestic tariff):
<blockquote>
50 Units / kWh – $1 135.00
100 Units / kWh – $3 410.00
150 Units / kWh – $7 390.00
200 Units / kWh – $11 380.00
250 Units / kWh – $17 070.00
300 Units / kWh – $22 750.00
350 Units / kWh – $29 290.00
400 Units / kWh – $35 830.00
450 Units / kWh – $42 650.00
500 Units / kWh – $49 470.00
600 Units / kWh – $63 110.00
700 Units / kWh – $76 760.00
800 Units / kWh – $90 400.00
900 Units / kWh – $104 050.00
1000 Units / kWh – $117 690.00
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Charge
per kWh</td>
<td>Amount</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First 50</td>
<td>0-50kWh</td>
<td>50kWh</td>
<td>22.70</td>
<td>1135</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Next 50</td>
<td>51-100kWh</td>
<td>50kWh</td>
<td>45.50</td>
<td>2275</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Next 100</td>
<td>101-200</td>
<td>100kWh</td>
<td>113.80</td>
<td>7980</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Next 100</td>
<td>201-300kWh</td>
<td>100kWh</td>
<td>130.80</td>
<td>13080</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Above 400</td>
<td>136.40</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</blockquote>
Before the latest tariff hike by ZESA, the power utility last reviewed the cost of electricity on 06 October 2022. The old tariffs are as follows:
<blockquote>
50 Units / kWh – $912.00
100 Units / kWh – $2 740.00
150 Units / kWh – $5 943.00
200 Units / kWh – $9 147.00
250 Units / kWh – $13 720.00
300 Units / kWh – $18 295.00
350 Units / kWh – $23 550.00
400 Units / kWh – $28 806.00
450 Units / kWh – $34 290.00
500 Units / kWh – $39 780.00
600 Units / kWh – $50 750.00
700 Units / kWh – $61 720.00
800 Units / kWh – $72 695.00
900 Units / kWh – $83 670.00
1000 Units / kWh – $94 640.00
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" title="Character Accurarcy=99.85">CONSUMPTION BAND</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.5">ENERGY CHG PER kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96">AMOUNT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.81">First 50</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=95.2">0-50kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=87.26">50kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.94">18.24</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.97">912</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.81">Next 50</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=41.53">51-100kWI</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=91.42">50kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">36.57</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96">1828.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.82">Next 100</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.84">101-200</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=89.99">100kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92">64.07</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.86">6407</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.7">Next 100</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.06">201-300kW</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=94.13">100kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.89">91.47</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.96">9147</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">Next 100</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=98.9">301-400kW</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=82.52">100kWh</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.92">105.12</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.95">10512</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.91">Above 400</td>
<td title="Character Accurarcy=99.87">109.70</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</blockquote>

ZESA Increases Electricity Tariffs Effective 01 March 2023

Zimbabwe’s thermal power generation dropped significantly on Tuesday 28 February 2023, with Hwange Thermal Power Station producing only 74 megawatts (MW) against the 920MW installed capacity.
The three small thermal stations – Bulawayo, Harare, and Munyati had zero output.
Hwange Power Station is the largest coal-fired power station in Zimbabwe with 920MW installed capacity which comprises 4x120MW and 2×220 MW units.
According to power generation figures from the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), Hwange Thermal Station production levels fell to 74MW. As a result, households are going for more than 16 hours without power.
Kariba South Hydropower Station was producing 250MW due to low water levels in the dam. The power plant has 1 050MW installed capacity.
Meanwhile, Hwange Power Station has been prone to breakdowns as most of its units are old.
On Monday 27 February, Hwange generated 75MW down from 168MW and 139 MW on Friday and Thursday last week respectively.
Early in the month, Hwange alone contributed about 384MW to the national grid.
Hwange units 7 and 8 are each expected to feed 300MW into the national grid when completed. It is not known when the two units will come on stream.
According to reports, Zimbabwe has a peak electricity demand of 1 600MW.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's Power Plants Generating 324MW In Total

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has increased the generation limit on the Kariba power stations from 300MW to 350MW each.
Zimbabwe’s ZESA Holdings operates the Kariba South hydroelectric power station, while Zambia’s ZESCO operates the Kariba North hydroelectric power station.
ZRA chief executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/kariba-generation-limit-inches-up/">The Herald</a> that if power utilities do not exceed their generation limits, there would be room for increased power production. Said Munodawafa:
<blockquote>
The power utilities (ZESA and Zambia’s ZESCO) should generate 700MW between them. I know in Zimbabwe there is winter wheat production.
If the levels of production are maintained up to the end of March, then there shouldn’t be any problems with the allocation for the winter wheat crop production.
</blockquote>
He said Kariba Dam was expected to have received between 40 and 44 billion cubic metres by the end of the season in June.
This will allow ZESA and ZESCO to operate at their base production level of 1 200MW.

Kariba Hydroelectric Power Stations Increase Power Generation To 700MW

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, has started buying solar power from households.
So far, 117 households and businesses with solar power are selling their surplus to ZETDC under the power utility’s Net Metering programme.
Net Metering enables consumers who generate excess solar energy on their premises to feed the excess back into the ZETDC network via a grid-tied inverter. 
Those with solar power, a grid-tied inverter and the smart meter can sell electricity into the grid in return for electricity tokens they use when they do not have sufficient renewable supply.
According to ZETDC, as of January 2023, 117 connections had been made out of the 175 successful applications that were received, with the remaining applications still being evaluated.
ZETDC said that the connected installed capacity stood at 4.9MW, while the total capacity for all the applications received is at 12.5MW.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zesa-starts-buying-solar-power-from-households/">The Herald</a>, ZESA stakeholder relations communications and welfare manager George Manyaya said:
<blockquote>
The system starts with solar panels that convert energy from the sun into electricity, an inverter then converts the electricity produced by the solar panels from direct current alternating current for use in your home, school, or business.
Finally, the installed bi-directional meter measures the energy used and excess energy produced which is passed on to the grid
The customer gets their proportional electrical power units credited to their ZETDC account and not in monetary value.
Customers can pass on their surplus generated energy to ZETDC. This power is then used to offset electric energy provided by ZETDC to the customer during an applicable billing period.
</blockquote>
This means that the electricity for those on net metering will be cheaper whenever they recharge or pay a post-paid bill.

ZESA Starts Buying Solar Power From Its Customers

Bulawayo residents have accused Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) workers of demanding bribes for them to repair electrical faults.
ZETDC workers are supposed to fix electric faults free of charge but reports suggest that some of them are demanding cash from residents before they attend to faults.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) chairperson Ambrose Sibindi confirmed receiving complaints from residents. He said:
<blockquote>
Residents say they are experiencing serious challenges with ZESA staff. They claim that ZESA employees are demanding bribes before they attend to faults.
We have been telling residents to report such cases or to arrest those ZESA employees defrauding people. It is their duty to fix faults.
As an association, we will be writing to ZESA on behalf of residents and urge them to supervise their workers to ensure such bad practices come to an end with immediate effect.
</blockquote>
ZETDC western region general manager Lloyd Jaji said such behaviour from the company’s employees is unacceptable. He said:
<blockquote>
Residents should report such incidents. We attend to faults free of charge, what our employees are doing is wrong, and I call upon the residents to report such incidents.
We are also determined to partner with the residents to set traps for these people and catch them.
</blockquote>
Nkulumane resident Thembekile Gumbo alleged that she had to pay US$20 in order to have an electric fault at her house fixed. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006788/zesa-workers-in-bribes-storm">NewsDay</a>

ZESA Workers Accused Of Demanding Bribes From Residents

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings has reportedly agreed to pay US$15 000 as compensation for damages to a minor child who was electrocuted in April 2019.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said the juvenile was electrocuted and sustained severe electrical burns due to gross negligence by ZETDC. Said ZLHR:
<blockquote>
The 13-year-old minor child was left nursing extensive injuries to his right upper limbs including permanent and irreversible injuries, which he suffered due to electrocution in April 2019 while medical doctors estimated his impairment percentage at 20%.
</blockquote>
On 16 September 2022, ZLHR’s Kelvin Kabaya wrote a letter of demand to ZETDC on behalf of the minor’s parents demanding payment amounting to US$15 000 as compensation for damages suffered by the 13-year-old child. The human rights lawyers said:
<blockquote>
The minor child was electrocuted by some exposed electricity cables, which were left hanging dangerously low and within reach of people at his parents’ residence in Penhalonga in Manicaland province. As a result of the accident, the child suffered severe electrical burns.
Kabaya told ZETDC that it was to blame for the unfortunate accident, which was caused by negligence on the part of its employees, who negligently left exposed electrical cables thereby endangering vulnerable children.
</blockquote>
ZLHR added that ZETDC has, through its insurer, Cell Insurance, recently advised Kabaya that it had accepted the minor child’s claim and would pay him US$15 000 as compensation for the damages which he suffered from the electrocution.

ZESA Agrees To Pay US$15 000 In Compensation To Electrocution Victim

Energy and Power Development Minister, Zhemu Soda, has said the commissioning of Unit 7 at the Hwange Thermal Power Plant is “almost complete”.
Speaking in an interview with State media on Wednesday, Soda said engineers are now finalising works on the protection system that allows evacuation of power from the Unit to the grid. He said:
<blockquote>
The testing of the power plant was done and passed. We are only left with the testing of the protection system that allows for the evacuation of power to the transmission system and a team from China only came into the country in mid-December when we initially expected them in November.
There was also a delay in their understanding of all the systems; we are now expecting them to complete the test in three weeks and to have the plant run by end of this month.
</blockquote>
Commercial production from Unit 7 was initially expected to start at the end of December 2022.
The Unit will produce 300MW and Unit 8, which is scheduled to be commissioned later in this quarter will also have the same capacity. Said Soda:
<blockquote>
We don’t expect it to take much longer to commission Unit 8 because we have learned many lessons from the current unit.
</blockquote>
After the commissioning of Hwange 7 &amp; 8, ZESA intends to start major rehabilitation of the existing units to restore their capacity to 930 MW.
The government has reportedly secured US$310 million from the Export-Import Bank of India for the exercise. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/hwange-unit-7-testing-in-final-stages/">The Herald</a>

Hwange Power Station Unit 7 Testing In Final Stages - Soda

Business has warned that the debilitating power crisis that has hit Zimbabwe is crippling the manufacturing sector and exposing consumers to potential price hikes ahead of the festive season.
Firms, as well as households, are experiencing prolonged unscheduled power cuts of up to 18 hours daily resulting in reduced production and the use of expensive diesel generators by some companies.
The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce CEO Christopher Mugaga told <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/industry-on-the-brink-2/">Business Times</a> that the current electricity crisis has undermined local industry’s competitiveness. Mugaga said:
<blockquote>
The power crisis is making us lose a competitive edge to imports as our products will become more expensive than before.
If there will be shortages, certainly there will be increased smuggling of cheap imports into the country thereby weakening the industry.
Certainly, those goods with high demand will continue to be needed hence the business will continue to produce it even at high cost and sell it at a high cost.
</blockquote>
ZNCC chief economist Jeff Makiwa said most companies in the mining and manufacturing may close because of the power crisis. He said:
<blockquote>
The deepening energy crisis will further dress down economic growth and most companies, especially within the cold chain, mining, and manufacturing are more likely to close shop if the current energy situation is prolonged.
</blockquote>
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu said:
<blockquote>
The power crisis will affect the local industry in the sense that most businesses will go for cheaper options to meet the festive season demand hence expensive local goods uptake will be reduced.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, economist Eddie Cross recently suggested that there appears to be no plan from the government on the power crisis. Cross said:
<blockquote>
We have a power crisis. I went to see the President in January this year and told him in emphatic terms that if he didn’t address the power situation it was going to stop our economy in its tracks.
He (Mnangagwa) asked me to come back and I found four Ministers waiting for me. The President told them the private sector says we face a power crisis, what is the plan? There was no plan, no plan.
The President turned to (ZESA chairman) Dr Gata and said to him Sydney what are you going to do and he said Mr President, ZESA doesn’t have the financial capacity to fix this problem.
Our utilities are broken and the national utilities do not have the capacity to invest in infrastructure and new capacities. What are we going to do?
</blockquote>

Uncertainty Over Power Crisis Grips Zimbabwe's Industrial Sector

The government says it has secured funding to enable small thermal power stations, that is, Bulawayo, Harare, and Munyati, to generate more electricity to ease the current energy crisis.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Energy and Power Development Minister Soda Zhemu, said:
<blockquote>
Munyati power station has a capacity of 90 megawatts (MW), Bulawayo produces 100MW, and Harare around 200MW.
They have been producing less, and we are working on Bulawayo station to produce around 90 to 100MW, and funding has been secured for that.
</blockquote>
Soda also said the government was considering moving Bulawayo thermal station to Hwange, to avoid future coal supply challenges.
On Wednesday, 14 December 2022, the Zimbabwe Power Company was generating a total of 537MW.
Hwange was generating 366MW, Kariba 171MW, Harare, Bulawayo and Munyati were generating nothing. | <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/new-govt-revives-small-thermal-power-stations">The Sunday Mail</a>

ZESA Planning To Move Bulawayo Power Station To Hwange

ZESA’s failure to pay coal producers on time has “heavily incapacitated” them as they can no longer have working capital.
ZESA’s four thermal power stations, Hwange, Harare, Munyati, and Bulawayo are not operating at full capacity due to coal shortages.
According to Coal Producers Association (CPA) chairman Linos Masimura who is also the managing director of Zambezi Gas, the miners had become so incapacitated “to even fail to load the trucks.”
Three companies namely Zambezi Gas, Turbo Mine, which is mining in Hwange western areas, and Hwange Colliery Company Ltd are supplying coal to thermal plants. Said Masimura:
<blockquote>
We haven’t been paid for four or so months and the viability of producers is now severely eroded; they (ZESA) have basically taken all our working capital.
</blockquote>
Masimura said coal miners were capable of supplying ZESA’s coal requirements for all plants. He said:
<blockquote>
But it is now a matter of them paying and collecting. They are collecting revenue from their consumers but they are not paying us. Why?
</blockquote>
In an interview with Business Weekly, ZESA executive chairman Sydney Gata confirmed owing the coal miners. He said:
<blockquote>
At all times, there is always a balance to be paid but the problem with some of the coal producers is that they can’t even wait for two weeks to get paid.
</blockquote>
With Hwange Unit 7 expected to come online in the next few weeks, according to official timelines, concerns have been raised over the adequate availability of coal.
Masumura complained that contracts to supply coal for Unit 7 were awarded only to two companies, namely Turbo mine, linked to businessman Billy Rautenbach and Hwange Colliery Company Ltd. He said:
<blockquote>
Some of our members had expanded capacity in preparation for units seven and eight but sadly, only two producers were awarded the contracts.
We formally raised the dangers of risk concentration, especially when dealing with a project of national significance.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Makomo Resources, which is now the country’s largest coal miner, is facing serious viability challenges and is under corporate rescue. | <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/electricity-waiting-for-the-rains/">Business Weekly</a>

ZESA Fails To Pay Coal Suppliers

A suspected thief has allegedly been electrocuted after a lifeless body was found in a structure that houses a ZESA transformer in Harare’s Highfield suburb.
<a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2022/12/07/zesa-thief-electrocuted-in-highfield/">ZBC News reported</a> that a huge explosion was heard in the neighbourhood in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
At that very moment, darkness plunged the area as lights went off unexpectedly, prompting residents to investigate the incident.
They proceeded to the transformer site where they found the dead body of a man with some tools next to it.
The suspected copper cable thief was apparently electrocuted before accomplishing his mission.
However, residents are worried they are likely to have a bleak festive season given the huge blast on the transformer that could be a sign of a serious fault.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was yet to confirm the incident.

Suspected ZESA Cables Thief Electrocuted In Highfield

A local energy expert, Victor Utedzi, says Zimbabwe needs to make huge investments in solar energy to deal with its current energy crisis.
On Thursday, Zimbabwe had a shortfall of nearly 900MW, according to ZESA’s internal daily updates.
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), which manages Kariba Dam, last week advised ZESA to stop production at the Kariba South hydroelectric plant because of low usable water levels.
Speaking during an interview with <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/explainer-inside-zimbabwes-power-generation-crisis-20221201">News24,</a> Utedzi said another option that Zimbabwe has is to ask to purchase water from the Zambian side of the Kariba Dam. He said:
<blockquote>
The solution [to Zimbabwe’s power crisis] is to increase the variety of power generation avenues in the country from other sources.
The 600MW Hwange extension will help by reducing the amount of generation.
The country has to deploy more solar photovoltaic (PV), which works during the day and allows water to be conserved.
Solar is clearly the best prospect. It’s the lowest cost, quick to build, and the sun is in abundant supply in the country. There are also good wind resources spread throughout the country.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority has a number of dams already built, which could provide up to 500MW of power.
There’s the Muzabani oil and gas prospect drilling by Invictus. It’s still subject to a successful drilling programme.
Even then, there is a need for significant capital spending to extract the gas, clean it into a usable form for power generation, and build transportation facilities for consumers.
It’s an excellent prospect that will require significant capital to be fully exploited.
</blockquote>
He said Zimbabwe should improve the ease of doing business and assure investors that the environment is safe and profitable as it is competing with its neigbours for the same pool of capital.

"Zimbabwe Should Make Huge Investments In Solar Energy"

Former ZESA Holdings chief executive, Josh Chifamba, said that the sub-economic tariff which the power utility has been charging “for a long time” is the main reason for the current electricity crisis.
Last week, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), which manages Kariba Dam, ordered ZESA to stop production at the Kariba South hydroelectric plant because of low usable water levels.
ZRA advised ZESA that a further review of the substantive Hydrological Outlook at Kariba will be undertaken in January.
Kariba is the country’s largest power plant, with the capacity of producing 1 050MW, and has been the most reliable.
The ageing Hwange Thermal Power Station, which is the country’s second-largest plant, has become unreliable because most of its equipment is obsolete.
Speaking during an interview with <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/zim-pays-price-for-sub-economic-power-tariffs/">Business Weekly</a>, Chifamba said:
<blockquote>
Issues in the sector have been left unresolved for far too long. The main Achilles’ heel has been sub-economic tariffs and an unfavourable macroeconomic environment. That has to be fixed.
</blockquote>
He said the country should have invested in new power stations to avoid over-relying on Kariba Power Station.
Chifamba said the rationale for Kariba expansion was that with additional generators, load shedding, especially at peak, would be alleviated. He said:
<blockquote>
Kariba would change from running as a base load (24-hour) station and operate as a mid–merit cum peak (18-hour) station.
You cannot run Kariba as a base load station because that consumes a lot of water.
The impact on the economy can be so huge. We had a similar situation in 2015 when water levels declined and production went down to around 200 MW.
That is why we resorted to bringing on Dema (diesel power plant) (The situation was so bad).
So the addition of generators at Kariba is not, in and of itself, the cause of the water problem at Kariba.
</blockquote>
Chifamba noted that Zambia’s ZESCO, with the same capacity as ZESA at Kariba; after having built new power stations; has kept within its water allocation.
He urged ZESA to immediately move towards a cost-reflective tariff to enable the country to import. Said Chufamba:
<blockquote>
They should try to mop up power in the region’ so they need to revise the tariffs so that they will have (enough) equivalent Zimbabwe dollars to pay for the imports.
</blockquote>
Currently, customers are paying US9.2c kWh, excluding exporters, which can be paid in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.
Exporters, with effect from October 1, 2022, are paying US10.12c per kWh.
Meanwhile, the World Bank carried out a study on the country’s power tariff regime and recommended a cost-reflective price of US15c kWh.

Zimbabwe Paying Price For Sub-economic Electricity Tariffs, Says Former ZESA Official

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