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

Residents of Bulawayo’s Ward 2 are struggling with severe electricity cuts that have disrupted their daily routines and forced significant adjustments, according to a recent survey conducted by local councillor Rendani Moyo.
In an interview with <a href="https://cite.org.zw/residents-struggle-to-cope-with-prolonged-electricity-cuts/">CITE</a>, Councillor Moyo revealed that areas such as North Trenance, Richmond, Aisleby, Good Hope Farms, and Northlynne have been the hardest hit in the ward. He said:
<blockquote>
Moderately affected areas include Queens Park West, Tegela and North End, while others have reported either minimal disruption or declined to respond.
</blockquote>
Moyo said he was motivated to conduct the survey following the persistent outages, which have left residents in a “state of despair.” Said the councillor:
<blockquote>
Residents are calling for accountability and meaningful solutions from authorities. For now, they have continued to navigate sleepless nights and troublesome days with no lights, no TV and no fridge in this heat.
The worst-affected residents have had to adjust their sleep patterns, staying up late to cook, iron clothes and charge devices. This has left many lethargic during the day due to lack of adequate sleep.
It is an unfortunate situation that could lead to a serious degradation of our environment as people resort to chopping down trees for firewood.
</blockquote>
Moyo said there was a need for the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) to provide a clear and fair load-shedding schedule. He said:
<blockquote>
What we need is an interactive platform where ZESA can have an honest conversation with residents about the state of power generation.
A transparent and balanced load-shedding schedule would go a long way in easing tensions.
</blockquote>
To cope with the power outages, many residents have resorted to alternative energy sources. Some are using firewood for cooking, rechargeable torches for lighting, and solar power where possible.
However, these solutions are not sustainable for everyone, as not all residents can afford the upfront costs of solar panels or gas.
Jason Huntley, a resident of the affected areas, told CITE that poor planning and corruption were to blame for the ongoing electricity crisis. He said:
<blockquote>
Our electricity crisis is 99 per cent man-made. Even if Kariba Dam was overflowing, we cannot rely on outdated equipment from 1959 designed for a population of 3.6 million to serve today’s 16 million.
There has been zero development in the energy sector, and those awarded tenders for minor solutions squander the funds.
There is not a single functional, pro-people, and pro-development ministry. All they care about are lavish perks while the rest of us suffer. Something has got to give. We are tired.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe depends on the Kariba South Hydro Power Station and Hwange Thermal Power Station to meet its electricity demands.
However, Kariba is currently generating just a tenth of its installed capacity due to low water levels in the Kariba Dam, while frequent breakdowns at Hwange have significantly disrupted power generation.
On Friday, November 22, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a subsidiary of ZESA responsible for power generation, reported that Hwange was producing 1,084 MW, Kariba 124.5 MW, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) 50 MW, bringing the total generation to 1,258.5 MW.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean urban dwellers in Bulawayo are facing long electricity cuts that disrupt their daily lives. Many areas are affected, and residents are struggling without lights, TV, or fridge. The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) needs to provide a clear schedule for power cuts. Residents are using alternative energy sources like firewood and solar power. Some blame poor planning and corruption for the electricity crisis. The main power stations are producing less electricity, contributing to the problem. Overall, residents are calling for accountability and solutions to the ongoing electricity cuts.

Zimbabwe's Urban Dwellers Struggle To Cope With Prolonged Electricity Cuts

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.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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.

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