Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a critical electricity supply crisis that has profoundly affected its economic stability and the quality of life for its citizens.
The nation’s energy infrastructure is predominantly dependent on the ageing Hwange Thermal Power Station and the Kariba Hydroelectric Dam.
Both facilities are encountering significant operational inefficiencies attributed to insufficient maintenance protocols.
As of late 2024, Zimbabwe’s electricity generation capability has plummeted, frequently producing less than 35% of the total demand.
This shortfall has resulted in extensive power outages, with some regions enduring blackouts lasting up to 18 hours daily.
Let’s go back memory lane in 2010. The government aimed to enhance electricity generation capacity by investing in new power plants and refurbishing existing ones.
According to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), “the country plans to increase its generation capacity through various projects, including the expansion of Kariba South Power Station and the construction of new thermal power stations.”
This strategy was intended not only to meet domestic demand but also to enable Zimbabwe to export surplus electricity to neighbouring countries, thereby generating revenue.
The significant question was how to effect the aforementioned. According to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) in 2011, “the introduction of prepaid meters is expected to enhance revenue collection and improve cash flow,” which is crucial for financing operational costs and infrastructure upgrades.
By converting to a prepaid model, ZESA can better manage its resources and allocate funds towards critical maintenance and expansion projects.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a utility provider in Zimbabwe, commenced the installation of prepaid electricity meters in August 2012.
Zimbabwe implemented a prepaid electricity metering system primarily to mitigate several critical issues within its energy infrastructure.
Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), encountered substantial fiscal challenges stemming from elevated levels of arrears and an escalating debt crisis.
By adopting a prepaid metering framework, ZESA sought to enhance liquidity by mandating that consumers remit payment for electrical energy prior to usage, thereby diminishing the likelihood of default on payments. 
According to the Electricity Act [Chapter 13:19], ZESA is responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity.
It is required to maintain an effective electricity supply system, but this must be done within the limits of its available resources and infrastructure capabilities. ZESA is not obligated to ensure uninterrupted power.
Despite this statute which is used as an excuse, the prevailing situation raises critical inquiries regarding the efficacy of the leadership within the power utility sector.
It prompts an examination of whether the current administration exhibits a deficiency in managerial competence or if there exists a substantial volume of covert and unmonitored operational activities. 
Over the past thirteen years, consumers have been remitting payments for electricity that ostensibly encompass costs associated with infrastructure maintenance and facility expansion.
Nevertheless, empirical evidence suggests a stagnation or regression in service quality; rather than witnessing enhancements, there is an observable decline in both power generation facilities and supporting infrastructure, exacerbated at a rate surpassing that observed prior to the implementation of prepaid metering systems.
How then did we move from bad to worse in terms of power supply after the introduction of the prepaid metering system? How then did we end up in even more debt?
This scenario engenders a plethora of unresolved inquiries, leaving stakeholders with more uncertainties than clarifications.
Power outages have raised operating expenses and reduced productivity in the commercial sector. Particularly badly struck are sectors like manufacturing and agriculture, where companies frequently run at reduced capacity or close completely during outages.
Food insecurity and economic loss result from farmers’ challenges with irrigation and processing perishable commodities.
Additionally, in this uncertain environment, small enterprises that rely on a steady power supply for machinery or refrigeration find it difficult to thrive.
As a result, the economy as a whole experiences slowed growth, which exacerbates poverty and reduces job prospects.
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) must fulfil its mandate of regulatory oversight over the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) and conduct thorough investigations into grievances raised by the populace.
As stakeholders in both civic and consumer capacities, it is our prerogative to demand accountability from the power utility entity.
The citizenry has expressed significant fatigue regarding the recurring narratives surrounding infrastructural maintenance issues and diminished water resource levels.
This story was contributed by Gaylord Munemo, an emergency response specialist.
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Zimbabwe is having electricity problems because the power plants are old and not working well. There are many power outages lasting up to 18 hours each day. The government tried to fix this by using prepaid meters for electricity. But, things got worse, and now there is more debt and less power. Businesses are struggling when there is no electricity, causing economic problems. The government needs to check why things are not improving and make sure the power company is doing its job properly. People want answers and better electricity services to improve their lives.

Paying For Darkness: Citizens Struggle With Prepaid Power Failures

Zimbabwe and Zambia experienced a synchronized electricity blackout on Tuesday after South African power utility Eskom triggered a shutdown due to a surge, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zambia-zimbabwe-suffer-fresh-national-blackout-after-eskom-pulls-plug/">ZimLive</a>.
The power outage occurred just before 1 PM on Tuesday, with restoration efforts starting about an hour later.
Eskom switched off the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) system to prevent serious infrastructure damage.
The latest blackout was linked to failures in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure, which ZESCO (Zambia’s power utility) uses to import power from Eskom and Electricidade de Moçambique.
ZimLive was told that Zambia, whose electricity generation shortfall is more severe “has been importing power from Mozambique like crazy.” Said a source:
<blockquote>
Electricidade de Mocambique pushes power into Zimbabwe which then conveys it to Zambia.
Zambia is over-importing electricity through the SAPP system and the systems in Zimbabwe are struggling to cope, leading to an overcurrent.
</blockquote>
As all three countries monitor the SAPP system, Eskom ultimately decided to pull the safety plug, plunging its northern neighbours into darkness.
ZESA Holdings (Zambia’s power utility) confirmed the system disturbance in a statement on Tuesday evening.
ZESA said restoration to most parts of the country had been completed, except for areas under load shedding.
<blockquote>
ZESA Holdings would like to advise its valued stakeholders that the National grid experienced a system disturbance which resulted in a national blackout on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 1255 hours.
This incident was caused by an imbalance in power on the international connectors, which affected the national grids of Zimbabwe and some parts of the region.
Restoration to most parts of the country has been completed, except for areas under load shedding.
Meanwhile, as per our earlier communication last month, we would like to advise our valued stakeholders that Hwange Unit 8 has started undergoing the scheduled Annual Class ‘C’ maintenance.
Measures are being taken to ensure adequate power supply during the festive season.
</blockquote>
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Zambia and Zimbabwe lost power because Eskom in South Africa shut it down to prevent damage. Zambia imports power from Mozambique through Zimbabwe. There was too much power going through, causing a blackout. The power was restored in most areas, but some still had load shedding. Hwange Unit 8 is undergoing maintenance, but measures are being taken to ensure enough power during the holidays. The three countries are monitoring the situation to prevent more blackouts.

Eskom Power Cut Plunges Zambia And Zimbabwe Into Darkness

Energy company Grid Africa has reached an agreement with a group of miners in Zimbabwe to build 200 megawatts (MW) of solar power for their operations, costing around US$180 million.
This deal comes as miners struggle to find reliable energy sources for their operations. ZESA Holdings, the country’s power utility, has been unable to meet the growing energy demand, and power blackouts have caused mining companies to lose an estimated US$500 million in revenue.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/business-digest/article/200035304/grid-africa-zim-mines-strike-200mw-solar-deal">Zimbabwe Independent</a> during the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit in Victoria Falls this week, Grid Africa CEO Norman Moyo shared details of the agreement. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
Today, in Zimbabwe, we are focusing on developing 200MW for the mines.
The mines need 200MW worth of power, and we have now concluded a deal to supply that power to the mines.
A 200MW (project) requires anything up to US$180 million. That is the level of investment you need to put in.
We have got a number of strategic partners — our banking partners who are coming through. We have equity investors and development agencies coming through to support us in developing these mines.
We have already commenced. You will start to see, over the next three years, all that 200MW (project) beginning to come online.
However, we do it in (phases). For us, we are very happy to do a 20MW mine and we move on to the next mine.
Those are smaller projects, quick (and) easy to execute, but they add up very quickly. So that is how we are going to be rolling out that.
We are not going to build one big plant. We don’t think it is the most efficient (way to do it).
</blockquote>
At the summit, Grid Africa signed a major deal with Africa GreenCo Group to generate 100MW of electricity for mines in Zimbabwe.
According to the agreement, Grid Africa will produce the power, and Africa GreenCo Group will manage its delivery to the mines.
Lion Mashiri, director of Africa GreenCo Zimbabwe, stated that the 100MW project will cost about US$70 million. Said Mashiri:
<blockquote>
This project will be on land in the Midlands Province around Kwekwe. It will be done at the farm surrounding ZIMASCO.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe needs between 1,800MW and 2,200MW of electricity, depending on the season. However, as of Friday, November 22, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) reported that power generation was much lower, with Hwange producing 1,084MW, Kariba 124.5MW, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) contributing 50MW, totalling 1,258.5MW.
The government has set ambitious electricity goals for 2030, aiming to generate 2,100MW from renewable sources by that year.
As part of its Renewable Energy Policy, the country also plans to achieve 1,100MW by 2025, reducing reliance on traditional hydroelectric power, which has been impacted by irregular rainfall and climate change.
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Zimbabwean miners and Grid Africa struck a deal to build 200MW solar power, costing $180 million. Miners need reliable energy as power cuts have caused $500 million in losses. Grid Africa's CEO, Norman Moyo, shared details of the deal at a summit. Another deal for 100MW of power was signed with Africa GreenCo Group. Zimbabwe has electricity shortages, with plans to generate more power from renewables by 2030. The country aims to reduce reliance on hydroelectric power due to climate change.

Zimbabwean Miners, Grid Africa Strike 200MW Solar Power Deal

Potential investors in Zimbabwe and Zambia’s energy sectors from the West are seeking predictability, particularly in legislation, the courts, and monetary policy.
This was said by Jobst von Kirchmann, the European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, during his address at the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit held in Victoria Falls this week. Said Kirchmann:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe is now running a monetary policy which is a multicurrency policy, but then if someone goes out and says, ‘We should abandon the dollar; we should go back to mono-currency,’ that’s a killer for investment.
</blockquote>
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently suggested that the Zimbabwean dollar (ZiG) become the sole currency by 2026, phasing out the use of the US dollar, which has been in circulation alongside other currencies since 2009.
John Humphrey, the British Trade Commissioner for Africa, also emphasized the need for stability in the country’s currency policy. He said:
<blockquote>
When we are in the renewable sector, it’s not just about five or 10 years. Actually, you are looking at a much longer period.
So, in order to be able to make those sorts of investments, you really have to feel like you are operating in a predictable and stable environment.
Money is like water. It goes where it is easy, and if you put something in its way, it just flows somewhere else.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe and Zambia held a summit this week in Victoria Falls to explore ways to attract investment for energy projects and development.
The discussions came amid the worst recorded drought in the region, which is depleting the Kariba Dam reservoir and leading to prolonged power outages.
Officials from both countries acknowledged that their heavy reliance on hydropower makes them vulnerable to such extended electricity shortages, with recent blackouts lasting up to 20 hours.
They say they want to increase investment in wind and solar energy generation.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said Zimbabwe and Zambia are well-positioned to benefit from solar and wind power. Said Chiwenga:
<blockquote>
In particular, the potential for solar energy is highly promising. Both Zimbabwe and Zambia enjoy abundant sunlight throughout the year. This is the only asset on this Earth we do not pay for. So, let’s use it.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe and Zambia have begun exploring floating solar projects on Lake Kariba, following a severe El Nino-induced drought that has reduced the hydroelectric dam’s water levels to just 2%. The drought has led to prolonged power outages in both countries.
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Western investors from Europe want stable laws and money policies before investing in energy projects in Zimbabwe and Zambia. They are worried about changes in currency policy and want more predictability for their investments. Both countries are facing severe power shortages due to a drought, so they are exploring renewable energy options like solar and wind power. Officials say they have a lot of sunlight which can help generate energy. The countries are working together to attract more investment for their energy projects and to address the current power crisis.

Western Investors Want Stable Legal And Monetary Policies; EU Tells ZimZam Energy Summit

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has called for stronger cooperation between Zimbabwe and Zambia to leverage advanced technologies like solar mini-grids, energy storage systems, and smart grids.
This will expand electricity access, particularly to remote areas in both Zimbabwe and Zambia, enhancing energy availability in underserved regions.
Speaking at the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit in the resort city of Victoria Falls this week, Chiwenga asserted that increasing energy access is crucial for driving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens in both countries. He said:
<blockquote>
Energy access is a fundamental right that supports vital sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and job creation. We must ensure that no one is left behind.
</blockquote>
Chiwenga said that energy access is crucial for sustainable development in Zimbabwe and Zambia, paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future.
He stressed the need for innovation and collaboration to transform both nations’ energy sectors, with the potential to attract investment in large-scale projects. Said the Vice President:
<blockquote>
Our region is rich in energy resources—hydropower, solar, and wind—but these must be harnessed sustainably and equitably to meet the growing demands of our populations.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe and Zambia share a vital energy resource: the Kariba Dam, located on the Zambezi River, which flows between the two countries.
The dam is home to two key power stations—the Kariba North Power Station in Zambia and the Kariba South Power Station in Zimbabwe—both of which play a crucial role in meeting the energy needs of both nations.
Kariba North is Zambia’s largest underground hydroelectric power station, with an installed capacity of 1,080 MW, while Kariba South is Zimbabwe’s second-largest power plant, with an installed capacity of 1,050 MW. Both countries rely heavily on the hydroelectric power generated by these stations.
However, power generation has been significantly affected due to low water levels in the dam, disrupting the electricity supply for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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Zimbabwe's Vice President Chiwenga wants Zimbabwe and Zambia to work together to bring solar energy to more people in both countries. He says having electricity is important for schools, hospitals, farms, and jobs. Chiwenga thinks that using renewable energy like solar and wind is good for the environment and can make both countries more successful. Zimbabwe and Zambia both rely on the Kariba Dam for electricity, but low water levels there have caused problems. Chiwenga hopes that by working together, both countries can find solutions to their energy needs.

Chiwenga Calls For Deeper Cooperation In Renewable Energy Between Zimbabwe And Zambia

ZESA Holdings Executive Chairman Sydney Gata said that the decision to adopt electricity tariffs reflecting costs has led to increased investments in the energy sector, which could help address the power crisis Zimbabwe is currently experiencing.
While speaking to delegates at the inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia (Zim-Zam) Energy Projects Summit on Tuesday in Victoria Falls, Gata said that since the change in December, there has been increased investment in the sector. Said Gata:
<blockquote>
Immediately after the tariffs were corrected, we called in industry, mining in particular and told them that now they can also invest in electricity infrastructure.
</blockquote>
Gata said miners were advised to stop relying on the government to underwrite the energy risks associated with their operations, and their response has been positive. He added:
<blockquote>
As we are talking right now our sector demands approximately 700 megawatts and from the projections from the survey that we did we anticipate that in the next three to five years we will be requiring about 2,000 megawatts, which is above what the country is currently generating.
</blockquote>
Several projects are set to come online next year to address Zimbabwe’s energy shortages, including the refurbishment of coal-fired plants by Jindal Steel and Power, and the development of solar power facilities by Tsingshan Holding Group Co’s Afrochine Smelting and PPC.
These initiatives aim to alleviate the persistent power outages exacerbated by a severe drought, which has drastically reduced hydroelectric generation at the Kariba Dam, the country’s primary energy source.
Currently, the Kariba power station is operating at just 10% of its installed capacity of 1,050 megawatts. As of November 19, total power generation in the country stood at 1,273.5 megawatts, which is just over half of the total demand.
The power shortfall is also being fueled by high demand from the mining sector. Isaac Kwesu, Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines, said that the mining industry is experiencing an average annual growth of 9%, driven by key sectors like lithium, coal, iron, and steel.
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Electricity prices went up in Zimbabwe, which led to more money being invested in the energy sector to help with the power crisis. Companies were told to invest in their own power sources instead of relying on the government. The country needs more electricity than it currently makes, so new projects are being planned like fixing coal-fired plants and creating solar power facilities. The lack of rain has also made it harder to generate hydroelectric power. The mining industry uses a lot of electricity and is growing fast.

Electricity Tariff Hike Sparked Growth In Energy Investments, Says ZESA Boss

A 34-year-old man from Nyanga has received a wholly suspended 12-month prison sentence for unlawfully diverting electricity to his tuckshop.
Bright Maturura appeared before the Nyanga Magistrates’ Court, charged with violating the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19).
The court heard that in July 2020, at Matema Business Centre in Nyanga, Maturura had directly connected a power cable from the grid to his tuckshop.
On December 14, 2023, ZESA employees discovered the illegal connection and apprehended him. His actions resulted in a loss of US$8,712 for ZESA.
The court sentenced Maturura to 12 months in prison, wholly suspended on the condition that he completes 420 hours of community service at Matema Primary School.
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A man named Bright Maturura stole electricity from ZESA for his tuckshop. He was caught and sentenced to 12 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended. Instead, he has to do community service at a school. ZESA lost US$8,712 because of his actions. Maturura broke the law and had to face consequences for what he did.

Tuckshop Owner Steals Electricity From ZESA Worth US$8,712

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has attributed the country’s chronic electricity shortages to a combination of factors, including contractual agreements with neighbouring countries.
While Zimbabwe struggles to generate enough power to meet domestic demand, it is also bound by agreements to export electricity to countries like Namibia.
Victor Sibanda, a ZERA Research and Energy Efficiency Engineer, provided an overview of the power supply challenges during a media engagement with ZERA in Bulawayo on Wednesday.
He said that in 2023, Zimbabwe’s average electricity supply was around 1,640 megawatts, falling short of the average demand of 1,865 megawatts.
The situation worsened on November 5, 2024, when the country generated only 1,092 megawatts against a demand of 1,760 megawatts, creating a deficit of 668 megawatts.
Although imports helped cover part of the shortfall, supplying 235 megawatts, exports still amounted to 176 megawatts.
Sibanda explained that load shedding is a result of the need to balance limited supply with the demand for critical services.
He said that power distribution is uneven, with essential services such as hospitals, security installations, and water facilities being prioritized to avoid outages whenever possible. Said Sibanda:
<blockquote>
We cannot have a hospital on load shedding, a water-based location, or institutions of security on load shedding, it’s a simple fact.
Sometimes, the substation where electricity is coming from, the line passes from a residential area to a hospital, people there will benefit because of that, not because we are not supposed to not shed them.
By nature of being close to the hospital, properties will also have the benefits and disadvantages of being close to the hospital.
</blockquote>
He said load shedding was “not an issue of punishment” but an effort to “maintain an equilibrium of what we have and what the system will deliver.” Said Sibanda:
<blockquote>
Mostly the ones who are affected are residential and other non-essential industries who are the ones who are affected. I don’t think there is favouritism when it comes to load shedding.
Don’t blame your local ZESA people. Sometimes they don’t even know when it happens. It’s controlled from somewhere.
They are actually asked to go and switch off where they are staying in some instances. It’s basically like that but it’s not a punishment.
</blockquote>
The ZERA official also revealed that despite national shortages, Zimbabwe exports electricity to neighbouring countries. He said:
<blockquote>
We send about zero to eight megawatts to Namibia, depending on availability because it’s a contractual agreement, it was financed by the Namibian government.
And how we repay it is if we do it, we supply the electricity. But when it’s out, we don’t supply the electricity.
</blockquote>
Sibanda said exporting surplus electricity can be economically beneficial, especially when the national grid produces excess power during off-peak hours. 
For instance, Zambia’s copper mining industry, which operates continuously, buys power from Zimbabwe during these hours when electricity is cheaper.
This arrangement enables Zimbabwe to generate revenue from surplus energy that cannot be stored. Said Sibanda:
<blockquote>
Zambia operates its copper mines which require electricity 24/7. They might also choose to get electricity off-peak. That’s when electricity is cheap, probably Zambia’s electricity would be expensive. 
They might choose to get electricity from Zimbabwe, which is cheap because Zimbabwe also has a lot of electricity, which they are not using. So they might also opt to buy from us.
Those are some of the scenarios of us exporting, while we still are in a deficit.
</blockquote>
Sibanda said that energy wastage is a major challenge, estimating that around 300 megawatts, or 20% of Zimbabwe’s national supply, is lost due to inefficient equipment and careless use.
He emphasized the need for improved efficiency standards and conservation practices to make better use of the limited electricity.
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Zimbabwe doesn't have enough electricity because it has to send some to other countries. The country's demand for electricity is more than what it can generate. As a result, there are power cuts in some areas to balance the supply. Important places like hospitals and security places get electricity first to avoid outages. Zimbabwe also exports electricity to get money, especially when they have extra power. But many people still waste electricity, which is a big problem. It's important to save electricity and use it wisely.

Load Shedding Driven By Low Generation And Export Obligations - ZERA

Kudakwashe Choga, a 50-year-old resident of Mvuma, recently appeared in court for stealing 364 units of electricity from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings.
Choga was charged in the Mvuma Magistrates’ Court with violating the Electricity Act, which prohibits the unlawful abstraction or diversion of electricity current.
The Act states that it is illegal to “abstract or divert any electric current or cause any electric current to be abstracted or diverted, or knowingly use any electric current which has been unlawfully abstracted or diverted.”
The court heard that from March 26 to May 2, 2024, Choga tampered with the electricity line conductor supplying power to his meter.
He connected the conductor directly to his load, effectively bypassing the meter and avoiding payment for the electricity consumed.
As a result of his actions, Choga caused ZETDC to suffer a loss of 364 units of electricity, valued at ZWL$1,237.60.
He was sentenced to six months in prison, with four months suspended on the condition that he restitutes the ZWL$1,237.60 by November 30, 2024.
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A 50-year-old man named Kudakwashe Choga from Mvuma stole 364 units of electricity from ZESA. This is against the law. He tampered with the electricity line to bypass the meter and not pay for the electricity he used. As a result, ZESA lost money. Choga was sentenced to six months in jail. He can avoid two months of jail time if he pays back the money he owes by a certain date. It is important to follow the law and pay for the services we use.

Mvuma Man (50) Jailed For Stealing 364 Units Of Electricity From ZESA

Zambia announced on Thursday it will import electricity from South Africa and Zimbabwe as drought reduced hydropower output, leading to load shedding of up to 16 hours a day.
Speaking at a press conference, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said that the state-owned power company ZESCO will procure 218 megawatts of power from South Africa’s Eskom and the Zimbabwe Power Company. Said Chikote:
<blockquote>
ZESCO Limited has negotiated the procurement of 218 MW of power from Eskom, South Africa, and Zimbabwe Power Company… The electricity procured from the two companies is expected to be injected into the grid within the month of August.
</blockquote>
Chikote also revealed that as of June 30, 2024, Zambia had recalled 260 MW out of a total of 500 MW from the export market.
The Zambian Energy Minister further stated that by the end of July, ZESCO could only supply less than half of the country’s peak demand, putting the power deficit at around 1,360 megawatts.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), which is currently generating 1,325 MW, can sell excess electricity during off-peak hours.
ZETDC, Zimbabwe’s electricity distribution company, is currently implementing up to 16 hours of load shedding during the day. However, at night, due to reduced electricity usage, the country has a surplus.
On Monday, August 5, the Hwange Thermal Power Station hit 1 Gigawatt (1,004 MW) of power generation, a significant milestone.
However, Kariba was only generating a paltry 292 MW, while independent power producers (IPPs) contributed 29MW, giving a total generation of 1,325 MW for Zimbabwe.
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Zambia is getting less electricity due to a drought, so they will import power from South Africa and Zimbabwe. They will get 218 megawatts of power from these countries, and it should be available in August. Zambia has a big electricity shortage, with a deficit of 1,360 megawatts. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has extra power at night but not enough during the day. The Hwange Thermal Power Station in Zimbabwe hit a milestone by generating 1,004 MW. Zambia and Zimbabwe are working together to solve their energy problems.

Zambia To Import Electricity From Zimbabwe, South Africa

The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a ZESA Holdings subsidiary, requires US$500 million for the repowering of Hwange Power Station Units 1 to 6, an official at the power utility has said.
The repowering programme is expected to take four to five years to complete.
Addressing members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy who were on a fact-finding mission recently, ZPC general manager Shepherd Mukundu said they have borrowed US$50 million to kick-start the project. He said (via <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/us450-million-to-repower-hwange-units-1-6/">The Sunday News</a>):
<blockquote>
We are still talking to Exim Bank of India who are going to be the financier for that repowering initiative, it’s going to come in two tranches, one of them is US$310 million and another one US$110 million which was originally meant for Bulawayo Power Station.
So, we have taken it upon ourselves to borrow money from Stanbic, a US$50 million facility to kick-start the repowering process such that when we eventually get funding from Exim Bank of India it will find us somewhere.
But what we would have wanted is to get all the money that we want so that we can then increase traction.
</blockquote>
In addition to about 600 MW being generated by two new units (7 and 8), Units 1 to 6 are producing 420MW at most, according to Mukundu. He said:
<blockquote>
In terms of power generation, our low-hanging fruit currently is the repowering of Units 1 to 6, we are producing 420MW which is not easy to sustain given the conditions of the plant but we thank God that we are doing that capacity currently.
One of the deliverables that we expect to see coming from repowering is increased capacity, increased reliability and also extension of life from 15 to 20 years that is what we seek to achieve in terms of repowering.
</blockquote>
Mukundu also said ZPC has started using its own resources to finance the repowering. He said:
<blockquote>
Our revenues remain subdued compared to critical obligations such as financing operations that include offsetting loans, spare parts purchase as well as the import bill. ZPC requires US$5 million for spare parts that are imported.
</blockquote>
In the first quarter of 2024, Hwange Power Station generated 1 696.4 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, accounting for 75.4 per cent of the total electricity generated during that period.
This comes as generation from Kariba Hydro-Power Station has continued to decline due to falling water levels in Kariba Dam, attributed to severe drought during the 2023/24 rainy season.
Kariba contributed 19.6 per cent (440.5 GWh), and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) provided the remaining 5.1 per cent.
On 21 June, Hwange was generating 929 MW, Kariba a paltry 292 MW, and IPPs were producing 23 MW.
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ZESA Seeks US$450 Million To Repower Hwange Units 1 To 6

The Government has given large-scale miners two years, that is, up to 2026, to establish their own power generation plants.
The local electricity demand is projected to be above 3,000 megawatts in two years due to the growth in the mining and smelting sectors.
Besides the US$1,5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Discosteel) plant in Manhize near Mvuma, Midlands, which commenced production of pig iron on Wednesday, 12 June, there are several other projects across the country.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/watch-mines-given-ultimatum-2-year-window-to-set-up-power-plants/">State media</a> on the sidelines of the Energy and Power Development Parliamentary Portfolio Committee workshop in Bulawayo recently, Energy and Power Development Minister, Edgar Moyo, said the government expects electricity demand to rise to 3 200MW.
He said the mining sector alone was expected to consume about 2 600MW, agriculture 120MW and households 500MW. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
We recognise that the mining sector is growing, particularly with the coming of the lithium mines. The power demand has surged phenomenally.
And, as the Government we cannot adequately provide power alone, we need to do it with the private sector.
We have approved a policy that these miners, particularly, the ferrochrome miners who are heavily subsidised, should develop their own generation plants from the renewable side.
We gave ferrochrome miners two years to set up their own generation plants. The time frame begins this year, which is 2024 and we expect that by 2026 they should have set up their own generation plants.
They can have their own solar plants to augment what they get from the national grid. We are going into a kind of partnership where the responsibility to provide power has to be shared between the Government and the mining companies.
</blockquote>
Moyo also said Independent Power Producers (IPPs) were producing nearly 100MW and the projection was that the national consumption will shoot to 3 000MW.
He said the country still has a deficit of between 200MW and 500MW depending on the days.
On Thursday, June 13, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) said Hwange was generating 911MW, Kariba 450MW and IPPs 44 MW.
However, load shedding has intensified across the country over the past week or so, leading many people to express doubt about the statistics provided by ZPC.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Government Gives Mining Firms Two Years To Set Up Power Plants

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Gloria Magombo (pictured) has said the Government is committed to ensuring that the electricity supply is improved and once it reaches optimum levels, it is sustained.
This comes amid a modest increase in power generation by the power utility over the past few weeks which has resulted in reduced load shedding.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/increased-power-generation-a-giant-leap/">The Herald</a> yesterday, Magombo said one of the major strategies the Government has adopted is to ensure that the power utility, ZESA Holdings, recovers the full cost of electricity supply. She said:
<blockquote>
The most important thing that you have to appreciate as indicated previously is that the Government will continue to engage various partners either in the private sector or our entities to ensure that power supply improves and is sustained and one of the major strategies which we have taken which was through the regulatory issues was to ensure that the utility can recover the full cost of supply.
They need to be empowered such that they are then able to meet the cost of the supply of energy and also that of maintenance and repairs of their equipment.
The equipment is old. It’s a process not an event so they will continue to take the steps to ensure that all the old equipment is taken out slowly and taken for a full overhaul.
We have adopted a strategy that the private sector should be part of and, as a Government, we have seen a high increase in private sector installations of commercial and industrial systems to assist ZESA in meeting its part.
We have seen a huge increase in solar rooftops which are also being connected to the grid, especially during the day and for us, we want to appreciate the private sector’s initiatives to also complement the efforts of the utility to ensure everyone does their part.
</blockquote>
On Thursday, 08 February, the country was generating a total of 1 430MW against a demand of at least 1 800MW.
The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) was generating 824MW and 558MW from Hwange and Kariba, respectively, while Independent Power Producers (IPPs) were producing 48MW.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Committed To Ensuring Increased Power Supply - Magombo

The Minister of Energy and Power Development, <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Edgar_Moyo">Edgar Moyo</a> has said that the country will start experiencing reduced load shedding at the end of November when Hwange Thermal Power Station’s Unit 7 is back on the national grid.
Last month, Unit 7 was taken off the national grid to undergo Class C Maintenance, a statutory procedure that requires the unit to be taken off the grid after running for a defined period. The unit has a capacity of 300 megawatts.
Responding to lawmakers during a question and answer session on Wednesday, Minister Moyo, however, said it will take time for the country to be able to generate enough electricity to end load shedding. He said:
<blockquote>
We are going to begin to experience reduced load shedding at the end of November when Unit 7 comes on board.
However, on complete load shedding, at the moment I cannot give a timeline because we are working on repowering Units 1 to 6 and each time we are repowering these units, we are going to be taking one unit out at a time. Once it is repaired, we take another unit.
It is going to take a little bit of time, but however, we are banking mainly on independent power producers that I have said are currently projects that are ongoing up to about 600 megawatts.
I cannot give that timetable, but we are working towards that. In terms of power import, we expect to eliminate that by 2025. That is how I can respond.
</blockquote>
Minister Moyo said the country’s electricity shortages have been exacerbated by the depressed generation at the Kariba Power Station due to dwindling water levels in the dam. He said:
<blockquote>
Yes indeed, we are going through a depressed generation in all our power stations in the country at the moment.
The reasons are: firstly, hydrological issues at Kariba Dam where our water levels have since gone so low that we now have a depressed generation at Kariba.
Our normal storing capacity in Kariba is 1050 megawatts but we are currently running between 250 and 300 megawatts and that is already a depressed capacity for generation.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe requires at least 1 800 MW but on Thursday, the country was generating a total of 1 212 MW. Hwange was producing 674 MW, Kariba was generating 500 MW, and 38 MW were coming from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No End In Sight To Load Shedding - Minister Moyo

Large-scale miners project electricity demand and diesel consumption in the sector to increase by 20 percent and 35 percent respectively in 2024 due to ongoing capital projects.
According to a State of Mining Industry Survey Report for 2024 released by the Chamber of Mines last week, the mining sector is expected to consume more electricity and diesel next next compared to this year. Part of the report seen by the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/electricity-demand-expected-to-go-up-20-percent/">Chronicle</a>, reads:
<blockquote>
On average, mining executives are expecting their operations to consume more power in 2024, compared to 2023. Analysis of survey data shows that electricity demand is expected to increase by around 20 percent in 2024 while diesel consumption is expected to increase by 35 percent. Most respondents cited ongoing capital projects as the major drivers of energy.
</blockquote>
The report, however, noted that mining executives reported that power supply was generally fragile and unscheduled power outages have resulted in production stoppages and output losses.
The mining executives recommended prioritisation of mining companies for available power and incentivise private power projects including tax incentives to support investments in Independent Power Projects that supplement available power.
The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) is currently generating just over 1 000MW, which is far below the required 1 800MW and this has resulted in prolonged power cuts.
Last year, the Government tabled various incentives to attract investments in renewable energy, which include guarantees for investors to remit dividends in foreign currency and be able to repay offshore loans, in a bid to meet its target.
The Zimbabwe National Renewable Energy Policy, launched in 2019 set the target of achieving a renewable capacity of 1 100MW or 16.5 percent of overall electricity supply by 2025.
By 2030, it targets 2 100MW or 26.5 percent of the overall supplies, which is in line with its pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions by 2030.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mining Executives Expect Electricity Demand To Rise By 20 Percent In 2024

ZESA Holdings is mulling more tariff increases, saying it lost US$3.7 billion over the years because of below-cost tariffs.
The power utility was recently awarded a US$0.002 per kilowatt hour tariff increase by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA).
ZESA’s power distribution arm, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company (ZETDC), then increased the tariff from US$0.10 per kilowatt-hour to US$0.12, which is still slightly below the regional average of US$0.1254.
Speaking during the State of the Mining Industry report breakfast seminar held in Bulawayo last week, ZETDC acting managing director Abel Gurupira said the power utility requires US$2.8 billion to revamp Hwange Power Station units 1 to 6. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/business/article/200019170/more-zesa-tariff-increases-loom">NewsDay</a> quoted Gurupira as saying:
<blockquote>
We are looking at US$2.8 billion that we need for rehabilitation and repowering, maintenance and the construction of Hwange Units 1 to 6. Unfortunately, the country has ceased to be credit-worthy.
Who will want to invest when you cannot recoup? We have lost almost US$3.7 billion because of below-cost tariffs.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing heightened load shedding as Hwange’s Unit 7 is undergoing its 30 days mandatory maintenance process which would be followed by Unit 8.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"ZESA Lost US$3.7 Billion Due To Low Tariffs"

Power utility, ZESA Holdings, is pushing for another tariff hike to recoup losses and supply more stable electricity to consumers, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/business/article/200019170/more-zesa-tariff-increases-loom">NewsDay</a>.
Recently, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) awarded a US$0.02 per kilowatt hour tariff increase to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings.
Before the recent tariff increase, ZESA was charging US$0.10 per kilowatt-hour, leaving it operating from a loss-making position.
The average price per kilowatt hour for electricity in the region is US$0.1254, and ZESA is now charging US$0.12.
Speaking during the State of the Mining Industry report breakfast seminar held in Bulawayo last week, ZETDC acting managing director Abel Gurupira said:
<blockquote>
We are a regulated authority even with the tariff that we were awarded, let me say we are not yet there. We are almost 79%.
The tariff has been so suppressed; this leads to difficulties in the recapitalisation of ZESA. We have aged machinery.
We saw it fitting that we structure everything. We have been driving this vehicle since the 1930s or 1940s.
We need a mindset shift to say ZESA is government so everything from the government must be cheap.
This business of the vehicle will collapse then we will realise that what is better is to have the right price with stable electricity or to have erratic delivery of electricity at a cheap price.
</blockquote>
He said there were initiatives by SADC countries to tap into the more than 2 000 megawatts (MW) of power lying idle in Angola due to transmission challenges.
Gurupira added that Zimbabwe will require 2 000MW in the next two to five years.
Currently, the Zimbabwe Power Company, a ZESA subsidiary, is generating just above 1 000MW of power.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Wants To Hike Electricity Tariff, Again

Chinhoyi MP Leslie Mhangwa (CCC) has accused politicians of lying about the country’s power crisis when they claim that the situation has vastly improved.
Mhangwa, a qualified electrical engineer, is the chairman of the parliamentary portfolio committee on energy and power development.
Speaking during an ongoing 2024 pre-budget seminar in Harare, Mhangwa said that politicians were lying when they continuously told citizens that the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 earlier this year would bring the power crisis to an end.<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/politicians-accused-of-lying-about-zimbabwes-dire-power-supply-situation/"> ZimLive.com</a> quoted Mhangwa as saying:
<blockquote>
There is a misconception partly because of us politicians that Zimbabwe is energy secure.
We give the impression that we are sorted; the country is out of the electricity quagmire but the situation on the ground will not paint the same picture.
</blockquote>
Units Hwange 7 and 8 units were commissioned earlier this year and have a combined generation capacity of 600MW.
However, Hwange units 1 to 6 are constantly breaking down because the power station now is too old. Added Mhangwa:
<blockquote>
If Hwange 1 to 6 is working, Kariba, small thermals and independent power producers that we have licenced, we should get to 3,000MW against a peak demand of 1 900MW.
But the reality on the ground is that on a normal day, Hwange 1 to 6 gives us 50 percent because of age, units 7 and 8 can give us 680MW but every now and then, we need to do routine maintenance.
</blockquote>
He said the ministry placed a bid for ZWL$192 billion in the 2024 budget but was given a cap of ZWL$68 billion by the Treasury.
Speaking at the same event, secretary for Energy and Power Development Gloria Magombo said the Government is considering upgrading Hwange Thermal Power Station’s old units, that is, units 1 to 6. She said:
<blockquote>
The repowering of Hwange 1 to 6 will unlock an additional 350MW which is a low-hanging fruit and can be completed within two years.
We also see the coming in of Independent Power Producers unlocking an additional 1 000MW.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Politicians Accused Of Lying About Zimbabwe's Electricity Supply Situation

Energy and Power Development Minister Edgar Moyo said that electricity generation in the country has improved following the completion of maintenance works at Hwange Power Station’s Unit 8 last week.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/improved-power-supply-as-zesa-completes-unit-maintenance/">The Sunday News</a>, Moyo said Hwange Unit 8 was under maintenance works for a number of weeks and this affected the electricity supply leading to power cuts. He said:
<blockquote>
Unit 8 at Hwange Power Station had been off for a while undergoing maintenance works.
It is now back on line and this is why you realise that the electricity supply has improved.
What we also have to understand is that at times we get frequent breakdowns or faults hence it might not be necessarily load-shedding.
Load-shedding occurs when we have a mismatch in the supply of electricity and its demand.
</blockquote>
Moyo said the unavailability of Unit 8 forced the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) to increase power generation at Kariba Hydro Power Station. He said:
<blockquote>
Our supply is not always constant; it depends on a lot of variables for example at Kariba Power Station we are now reducing productivity due to hydrology issues where water is now very low.
We are trying to stretch power generation up to the end of the year. However, sometimes if one of the units at Hwange Power Station has a problem, we increase generation at Kariba.
On the other hand, if our units at Hwange are giving us good production, we reduce at Kariba to save water. So it’s never a straight line.
As government however, we remain committed to the provision of uninterrupted power supply in order to be able to drive the industrialisation agenda towards an upper-middle-income economy.
</blockquote>
From 01 September to 22 September, Kariba Power Station was producing up to 925 megawatts, which was significantly more than what Hwange Power Station was generating.
However, from 23 September, power generation at Hwange improved with last Wednesday’s production going up to 1008 megawatts.
On Monday, 02 October, Hwange was generating 970MW, Kariba was producing 611MW, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) were generating 21MW to give a total of 1 602MW.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7arLh9XoAAAAjR?format=png&amp;name=large"/>
Zimbabwe’s electricity consumption stands at above 1 800 megawatts.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Electricity Supply Improves As ZESA Completes Hwange Unit 8 Maintenance

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>

ZESA Cable Fault Plunges Gweru CBD Into Darkness

<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

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) regularly adjusts electricity tariffs making it imperative for its customers to manage electricity consumption to cut costs.
ZETDC has offered some tips on managing electricity usage in 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>
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing long hours of power blackouts due to under-investment in the energy sector which has resulted in ageing power plants generating below capacity.
On Friday, 19 May, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) was generating a total of 1 005MW at its five power stations against national demand of roughly 2 200MW.
Kariba was producing 750MW, Hwange, 240MW, Harare 15MW, Munyati 0MW, Bulawayo, 0MW.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Here Is How To Manage Electricity Usage In The Office

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

Mozambique’s Electridade de Moçambique (EDM) plans to increase power exports to other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.
Speaking to the AIM news agency, EDM chairman Marcelino Gildo Alberto said that power exports to the region currently represent 22 per cent of EDM’s annual revenues. <a href="https://macaonews.org/portuguese-speaking-countries/electricidade-de-mocambique-to-export-energy-to-south-africa-zambia-and-zimbabwe/">The Macao News quoted Alberto as saying</a>:
<blockquote>
The southern African region is in crisis. South Africa is short of power, Zimbabwe the same, Zambia too, and recently we learned that Tanzania is starting to have problems.
So, we are going to take advantage of this situation to sell to the regional market, because we have surplus energy.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe and Zambia’s electricity crises are partly attributable to falling water levels at Lake Kariba.
Last year, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) ordered ZESA and ZESCO, Zimbabwe and Zambia’s power utilities respectively, to reduce electricity generation last year.
Zimbabwe operates the Kariba South Bank Power Station, which has an installed capacity of 1 050MW, while Zambia operates the Kariba North Bank Power Station which has an installed capacity of 1 080MW.
On 4 January 2023, Zambia’s State-owned power utility ZESCO Limited increased hours of load shedding to twelve (12) hours daily due to low water levels in the lake.
ZESA was also forced to reduce power generation at Kariba South Power Station towards the end of 2022 due to dwindling water levels, and as of 5 January 2023, the power plant was generating a meagre 260MW.

Mozambican Firm To Export Electricity To Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia

The government says it has mobilised US$34 million towards the importation of electricity from regional producers to augment local generation.
Speaking in the National Assembly last week, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube said US$34 million is being processed to assist the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) and Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) to import electricity. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
We have intervened in terms of emergency resources to support both ZETDC and ZPC to the tune of US$34 million to source power from outside.
Unfortunately, that is the best we can do immediately and this is being processed over the next seven days.
</blockquote>
Ncube also said the government will on Monday, 19 December announce independent power producers (IPPs) that will get support to generate power to meet national demand. He said:
<blockquote>
I am happy to report that we have thoroughly concluded the structure and framework of what we call the Government Implementation Agreement to support investment from the Independent Power Producers (IPPS).
It will cover three areas — an appropriate level of tariffs; Government guarantees on the power purchase agreement and also guarantee currency compatibility.
They have asked for these three things and we have put three of the projects on a pilot.
We are now satisfied that we can as Government support GIA to cover those three areas.
Monday next week, we will make a formal announcement and this will go a long way in the medium term in dealing with the power situation.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is currently experiencing one of its worst power crises, with electricity users spending up to 18 hours per day in the dark.
On 19 December 2022, ZPC was generating a total of 672MW from three power stations, Hwange (433), Kariba (221), and Munyati (18). Harare and Bulawayo power stations were not generating anything. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005218/govt-releases-us34-million-for-electricity-imports">NewsDay</a>

Govt Releases US$34 Million For Power Imports

Energy and Power Development Minister Zhemu Soda recently issued a ministerial statement on the current electricity crisis. Below is his full ministerial statement to Parliament:
<blockquote>
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. SODA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for allowing me this opportunity to present a Ministerial Statement on the state of electricity supply that is currently obtaining in the country. Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a depressed power supply situation which was exacerbated by the reduced power production from Kariba Power Station.
Besides the usual challenges of aged equipment at the country’s thermal power stations, climate change effects have hit hard on us at the Kariba South Hydro Power Plant where the dam that supports generation of power has received much reduced water inflows due to the poor 2021-2022 rain season.
The water levels at Kariba Dam have gone down such that power generation at the dam had to be curtailed.
You might be aware Mr. Speaker Sir that on Friday, 25th November this year, the Zambezi River Authority notified the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) that the utility had exhausted its water allocation for 2022 and there was need for the power station to be completely shut down.
The shutdown of the power plant would have had the following impacts: about 70% of the country’s power supply would have been lost as a result of shutting down the power station.
The network stabilization would also have been disturbed which ordinarily would be done through Kariba Power Station.
The Ministry engaged its counterparts in Zambia through meetings which were held at board level and also there was a recommendation from the board to allow the two utilities to engage.
It was through those engagements that the Council of Ministers had an Extra Ordinary Meeting to allow ZPC to continue generating from Kariba Power Station but this time at a reduced capacity of between 250 to 300 megawatts.
This effectively resulted in loss of about 300 megawatts capacity on our grid, increasing our power deficit to over 500 megawatts.
The country’s current available internal generation capacity gets to around 800mgw and the power is contributed as follows: from Hwange there is a generation of up to 400mgw which we are currently obtaining.
Kariba is running between 250mgw and 300mgw and then from the small thermals there is a contribution of 30mgw, which we are currently having.
Independent power producers are contributing a total of 56mgw to make up for the 800mgw which we are generating internally.
We are also getting some imports of electricity from Eskom, which is supplying us with 100mgw and another 50mgw from utilities in Mozambique called HCB and EDM also supplying 50mgw.
ZESCO of Zambia has an agreement with ZESA for the supply of 100mgw and in total, we are getting 300mgw as power imports.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, in order to mitigate the current shortfall that was occasioned mainly by the reduced power generation from Kariba Power Station the Ministry together with ZESA have come up with some measures.
The first one is to increase our imports, which I have already indicated that we are currently receiving 300mgw. We intend to increase by an additional 500mgw which we are targeting to get from Mozambique and from the Southern African Power Pool.
Discussions are currently underway for an additional capacity of 150mgw from Mozambique, particularly from EDM power utility.
We will also get another 50mgw from the participation of ZESA at the Southern Africa Power Pool Electricity Market to give us an additional 200mgw over and above the 300mgw which we are currently importing.
Another measure is to ramp up local generation. There is potential to increase generation at Hwange Power Station and I have already indicated that at the moment, we are getting 400mgw and the intention is to have it staying on the grid and sending that 400mgw.
Then from the small thermal power stations, we are intending to increase production and to obtain a contribution of 45mgw. The independent power producers who are currently connected to the grid would be expected to contribute around 75mgw with special focus on ZEE which is to us a low hanging fruit currently sending out 17mgw but their capacity is 40mgw.
They have depressed power generation as a result of incapacitation, which we are currently working on in terms of the coal which they require for power generation.
To that end, a rescue package has been proposed from the Government to cover for additional imports, coal supply and transport costs which have been an inhibiting factor to have adequate coal supplies at the small thermal power stations.
Discussions are currently underway with Treasury for the release of the rescue package. The other measure is to work on the demand side management.
Intensive power users are being engaged to reduce the load and also employ efficiencies in their operations.
Domestic customers are also encouraged to implement energy conservation measures like switching off switches and also to work on the restricted use of electricity geysers and use of efficient gadgets such as efficient lights, fridges and other appliances.
Various platforms are being used like the radio, social media, television and newspapers for members of the public to be aware of the need to conserve the available electricity.
ZESA is expediting the installation of prepaid and smart meters to improve the management of electricity consumption.
The other measure is to get the excess capacity through the net metering facility which allows customers with excess capacity from their generators like solar systems on rooftops to be connected to the grid.
There are some advantages which can be enjoyed by the producers of electricity themselves. You are aware that a normal solar system should be having some storage facilities but through this facility, you only need to have your solar panels and you will use the grid to bank your electricity which you will be withdrawing during times when you are out of production.
Currently, 5 megawatts of capacity have been connected to the grid and we are targeting an additional 7mgw.
ZESA is working flat out to ensure that these customers with excess capacity of 7mgw are immediately connected to the grid.
There shall also be an immediate review of the hydrological situation at Kariba Power Station. The reduction in the power generation capacity has been occasioned by the low water levels in the Kariba Dam.
The minimum operating level of the dam is 475.5mt above sea level. What it means is that any water that is above 475.5mt becomes the live lake storage which will be used for power generation.
For 2022, we had a total allocation of 45 billion cubic meters provided by ZRA, which was shared by our two utilities, ZESA and ZESCO.
ZESA exhausted our 22.5 billion cubic meters but inflows have just started to collect into the dam and there shall be an immediate review in January 2023. We hope that is going to ease the current load curtailment which is obtaining.
In the medium term, there shall be some interventions especially by way of the rehabilitation of the current Hwange station on the existing units 1 to 6.
Already, work is in progress and the detailed project report giving the scope of works to be done at the power station has been finalised and it was accepted by the project owners which are ZESA Holdings and we are seized with ensuring that my Ministry and the Ministry of Finance engages the Indian Exim Bank to also endorse on the detailed project report so that disbursements can immediately commence for the purposes of the rehabilitation of Hwange Power Station.
The intention is to bring that power station, the current Units 1 – 6 to the installed capacity of 920 mw, which if added to the expansion project which we are expecting to produce 600 mw, the total that will be coming from Hwange Power Station will come to 1520 mw.
In the long term, there shall be massive exploitation of hydro-power potential along the Zambezi River and the immediate one is through Batoka Hydro Electric Scheme which has a potential of producing 2 400 mw and as we speak, a feasibility study was concluded and the environmental impact studies have also been endorsed.
Another measure is on Government giving support to the independent power producers. The focus will be on solar PV generation projects. Currently, a total of 100 licenced projects have been licenced by ZERA.
My Ministry is engaging the Ministry of Finance to help de-risk the independent power producer projects through provision of Government implementation agreements for projects which have been awaiting Government guarantee to reach financial closure.
As we speak, three pilot projects have so far received Government implementation agreements and standard power purchase agreement documents. My Ministry is also finalising on the formulation of competitive procurement framework. This is work in progress and we hope by the first quarter of 2023 this will have been finalised.
I now come to the progress on the Hwange Expansion Project through Unit 7 and 8. The project involved the installation of 2 x 300 mw generation units at Hwange Thermal Power Station.
The project has surpassed 97% completion. The completion of Unit 7 is currently under way with the unit expected to be synchronised to the grid before the end of this month and we will be getting around 300 mw once the commission tests reaches commercial operations but as we commence the synchronisation or commercialisation, we will not immediately get to the 300 mw.
There shall be some connections and disconnections and testing of various performances during this process but this synchronisation will be achieved before end of this month.
Commissioning of Unit 8 will follow immediately after Unit 7 has achieved commercial operation and is expected to take not more than two months after reaching commercial operations of Unit 7.
These interventions will ease the current power supply situation and the Government is seized with the implementation of these measures. I submit.
</blockquote>

FULL TEXT: Minister Of Energy Issues Statement On Power Crisis

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) is owed ZWL$14 billion (about US$20 million at the official rate) by its customers.
This was said by Deputy Energy and Power Development Minister Magna Mudyiwa in the Senate on Thursday while responding to questions on the current power crisis.
Mudyiwa said ZESA introduced prepaid meters because people were not paying their bills. She said:
<blockquote>
People would (use) as much electricity as they wanted and would not pay up. For your information, ZESA is owed about $14 billion right now.
ZESA is not getting any funding from the government for its operations. It is a company that is supposed to run on its own just like any other company.
It is supposed to buy equipment (such as) vehicles that are used when attending to faults.
They are supposed to procure fuel and are not getting forex because many people are paying in Zimbabwe dollars.
ZESA is supposed to pay its workers. You might have heard that there is a lot of brain drain that took place at ZESA and a lot of professionals left this country and went as far as UK and Australia and ZESA is supposed to pay its workers adequately – all that is not happening because ZESA is owed a lot of money by consumers.
All these units that we are using at Hwange need revamping, they are very old and need rehabilitation but there is no money because ZESA is owed more than (14) billion dollars.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is facing one of its worst power crises due to depressed generation at its power plants resulting from low water levels in the case of Kariba, and recurrent breakdowns and coal shortages at its coal-fired power stations.
On 09 December 2022, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) was generating a total of 438MW from its five power stations.
Hwange was generating 218MW, Kariba 200, Bulawayo 20, Harare 0MW and Munyati 0MW. | <a href="https://insiderzim.com/zesa-owed-14-billion/">The Insider</a>

"ZESA Owed $14 Billion By Consumers"

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s biographer, Eddie Cross, says he warned him about a power crisis.
Cross claims that in January this year, he told Mnangagwa in a private meeting if the power generation crisis was not addressed, Zimbabwe’s economic prospects would diminish.
Cross, a former member of the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), said later, the same day, Mnangagwa invited him back to his office.
He said this time, in the president’s office, were four ministers from energy, commerce, agriculture, and finance.
They were joined by the chairman of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), the head of the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), and the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) boss, according to Cross.
Mnangagwa told them what had been said by Cross and asked what was being done to deal with the power crisis. Said Cross at a business seminar in Harare on Thursday:
<blockquote>
There was no plan. The president turned to Dr [Sidney] Gata [the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority boss] and asked him, ‘Sidney, what are you going to do about it’?
</blockquote>
He added Gata told the president ZESA had no money to fix this problem.
Cross said the current power crisis affecting the SADC region was caused by poor planning by post-colonial governments. He said:
<blockquote>
The electrical power crisis that has enveloped southern Africa has its roots in our post-liberation history. Before that, the utilities created by the states of southern Africa exhibited considerable foresight and planning. 
This was led by the power utility of South Africa which had visionary leadership at the time and like China in the past 50 years, turned their huge coal reserves into a cheap source of electrical energy.
They installed enough power generation capacity to feed their own markets and to supply the deficit in their neighbours,
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is in the grip of a power crisis, with the country generating 500MW against a peak demand of 2 300MW per day.
As a result, Zimbabweans are getting an average of five hours a day of electricity, in most cases late at night or early in the morning. | <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/i-warned-zim-president-about-power-crisis-mnangagwas-biographer-claims-20221209">News24</a>

I Warned Mnangagwa About A Power Crisis But There Was No Plan, Says Cross

The total collapse of Kariba South Power Station’s Unit Number 4 following years of neglect, is partly to blame for the ongoing electricity crisis facing Zimbabwe, it has emerged.
While the official narrative is that Kariba South Power Station is currently generating significantly less power than it was producing a few months ago due to depleted water allocations, Unit 4 had been unofficially decommissioned.
NewZimbabwe.com reported a Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) source as saying that the now dysfunctional unit recently broke down beyond repair due to a number of factors. Said the source:
<blockquote>
Yes, the narrative that ZPC has utilised its 2022 water allocation and was ordered by ZRA to suspend power generation is correct.
It must not be taken to be the sole and isolated reason for plunging the nation into darkness.
The crisis we find ourselves in is a result of decades of poor planning and not heeding advice that saw key machinery going for years without major maintenance.
In instances where new spares were needed, engineers were forced to resort to having them poorly machined in South Africa.
Also, there was a massive exodus of qualified personnel to run these plants due to poor salaries, but ZPC did not heed advice to nip the flight of engineers and other key technical staff in the bud.
Resultantly, the power plant was now in the hands of incompetent and inexperienced employees, thereby compromising efficiency.
The end result was the inevitable total shutdown of Unit Number 4, which is now beyond repair.
We depleted our water allocation ahead of Zambia because our machines were not just obsolete and inefficient, but also neglected, full stop!
</blockquote>
The source further claimed that a forensic audit to establish what transpired in the lead-up to the unit’s total collapse is underway. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/kariba-water-levels-recede-but-power-stations-unit-4-total-collapse-has-worsened-already-dire-electricity-situation-official/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Kariba Power Station’s Unit 4 Broke Down Beyond Repair | Reports

ZESA Holdings says load shedding will ease considerably in the coming weeks with Zimbabwe soon to get up to 500MW of electricity from Zambia and Mozambique, while Hwange Power Station’s Unit 7 should be feeding 300MW into the national grid before month end.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/major-boost-to-electricity-situation-as-500mw-lined-up-from-zambia-mozambique/">The Herald</a>, ZESA Holdings executive chairman Sydney Gata said that the power utility expects to import 250MW from Zambia and another 250MW from Mozambique. Said Gata:
<blockquote>
As for the current load shedding, there is a relief that is coming. We ran around and apart from getting a bit more from Kariba, we will be getting a bit more from Zambia and Mozambique.
From Zambia, we are getting 100MW and they are looking for another 50MW for us there is also a member of the Intensive Energy Users Group who is also looking for another 100MW. So we may get as much as 250MW from Zambia.
Mozambique, I was there recently and we agreed that they will run around and increase from the 60MW they have been giving us, to 100MW immediately, and there is another 150MW which could be coming from Monday next week. So Mozambique should give us 250MW maximum.
</blockquote>
Gata said if all goes according to plan, Hwange’s Unit 7 is expected to start feeding electricity into the grid before month’s end. He said:
<blockquote>
The unit itself, in terms of operating, is actually ready to generate. However, there was a delay in the equipment required to connect it to the grid.
So far we expect that it could be around the 20th of this month. It could be later, it could be earlier, but thereabout and surely by Christmas, Unit 7 should be in service, barring unforeseen situations.
</blockquote>
Unit 7 has the capacity to generate 300MW, while Unit 8 will also add another 300MW to the main grid when completed in the first quarter of 2023.

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