A 17-year-old boy from Hwange tragically lost his life after being electrocuted by exposed electricity wires on downed ZESA poles.
Reports indicate that these fallen poles have remained unattended for an extended period, leading to several serious injuries among the local population.
Villagers are voicing their frustration over ZESA’s apparent negligence, alleging that live power lines have been left on the ground for over three years without any action taken to address the hazard.
In an interview with the Southern Eye, Ward 12 Nakabandana Councillor Jowan Chuma confirmed the alarming incidents, which have resulted in two people sustaining serious injuries, while the teenager’s death occurred in a separate incident last week. Said Chuma:
<blockquote>
A 30-year-old villager was severely injured in the Kasese area sometime in November last year while two boys, aged 13 and 17, suffered an electric shock on March 2.
The first one got injured at around 4 PM, while the 17-year-old boy was hit an hour later. The three were taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, is responsible for managing the infrastructure that supplies power to consumers, ensuring reliability, maintaining power quality, and promoting efficient electricity use.
Hwange East MP Joseph Bonda reported that villagers encountered live power lines while returning from herding cattle. He said:
<blockquote>
There are about 15 poles that have been left lying on the ground for more than three years now. The power lines cut across a way leading to our pastures and the challenge is that when ZESA workers restore power they do not alert villagers making it difficult for villagers to know when they are in danger.
</blockquote>
The 13-year-old boy’s mother, Anala Mpala, said that her son, who is admitted to United Bulawayo Hospitals, suffered an electric shock while returning from herding cattle with other boys.
She revealed that ZETDC has offered to cover the boy’s medical bills and accommodation in Bulawayo. Mpala also said her son’s condition is improving.
More: <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200039690/neglected-power-lines-kill-one-injure-two-in-hwange">Southern Eye</a>

Pindula News

A 17-year-old boy in Hwange died from getting electrocuted by ZESA power lines that were left on the ground for a long time. Other villagers have also been injured because of these fallen poles. ZESA has been blamed for not fixing the hazard despite complaints from the villagers. The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company is responsible for power supply and safety. The boy's mother said he is getting better and ZETDC will pay for his medical bills. Villagers are upset because they are not warned when ZESA workers restore power, putting them in danger.

17-Year-Old Electrocuted By Fallen ZESA Power Line In Hwange

The Zimbabwe Energy Workers Union (ZEWU) has called for full disclosure from ZESA Holdings regarding its ongoing discussions with Indian firm Jindal Africa Investments, reported <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200038579/union-demands-transparency-in-zesas-us350m-power-deal">The Independent</a>.
The discussions centre around a joint venture between Jindal and ZESA to refurbish six units at Hwange Thermal Power Station for US$350 million, a project expected to add around 400 megawatts (MW) to the national grid.
In a letter dated February 13, 2025, addressed to Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) managing director Norbert Matarutse, ZEWU general secretary Martin Chikuni expressed concerns about the secrecy surrounding the deal and the lack of transparency regarding the activities at Hwange Thermal Power Station. He wrote:
<blockquote>
We are reliably informed, by our members, that your management is at an advanced stage in negotiations with some company or individual from India, for the partial or total takeover of Hwange Thermal Power Station.
There is no doubt that such a development will invariably have a negative impact on the workers’ welfare and conditions of service yet they were never consulted or participated, through their union in the decision, despite their inalienable right to be involved and participate in any decision.
If this is indeed true, we find your approach to be inconsiderate, disrespectful and reckless to the almost 700 employees working at Hwange as well as their families whose livelihoods rely entirely on their breadwinners currently employed by ZPC, at Hwange.
</blockquote>
ZPC, a division of ZESA, is responsible for electricity generation.
Chikuni called for an urgent meeting with ZPC management to address the issue, warning that if their request was ignored, they would “pursue all available legal options within the next five working days.”
In response, ZESA Holdings said that the discussions are still in the early stages, awaiting cabinet approval, and therefore cannot be disclosed as finalised. It added:
<blockquote>
However, when Jindal came with its expression of interest they brought their top management who engaged with the power station management and worker representatives.
Management is fully aware of the need to engage workers once there is a clear direction on the expression of interest.
</blockquote>

Zimbabwe Energy Workers Union wants ZESA to tell us everything about a $350 million deal with Indian company Jindal to fix Hwange Power Station. They say workers and their families should be consulted as their jobs are at stake. ZEWU demanded a meeting with ZESA to talk about the deal, threatening legal action if ignored. ZESA said the talks are early and need approval before details can be shared. They promised to involve workers when a decision is made. The union and ZESA are still discussing to make sure workers' interests are protected.

Union Demands Full Disclosure On US$350 Million Hwange Power Station Deal

ZESA Holdings (ZESA) owes US$350 million for renovations at the Kariba South Power Station, which it has been unable to service due to the long-standing subsidised tariff regime, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/business/article/200038201/zesa-owes-us350m-for-kariba-south-renovations">NewsDay</a>.
Currently, Kariba South has a capacity of 1,050 megawatts (MW) but is only generating 185 MW due to depleted water levels at Lake Kariba.
This was revealed by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development in an update on the current state of electricity supply in Zimbabwe. It said:
<blockquote>
According to ZESA Holdings, they possess a huge loan burden in renovating some of the units at Kariba, South which amounts to US$350 million.
ZESA created a huge debt burden on the utility, including foreign currency commitments for loan repayments and spare parts purchases.
Management added that repayments need to be done in foreign currency, and they have resorted to exporting power in order to generate foreign currency.
</blockquote>
The committee urged the Treasury to disburse funds promptly for servicing loans related to power projects, to address Zimbabwe’s long-standing debt servicing challenges, improve the country’s creditworthiness, and facilitate access to affordable energy financing.
ZESA’s foreign currency obligations are preventing the power utility from servicing even the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
The committee highlighted that Zimbabwe continues to experience severe power outages as the distribution supply fails to meet the nation’s growing demand.
The committee also revealed that Zimbabwe Power Company, a subsidiary of ZESA, has been forced to import power from neighbouring countries to alleviate load-shedding.

ZESA owes $350 million for fixing Kariba South Power Station. The station can generate 1,050 MW but only 185 MW due to low water levels. The debt is causing problems for ZESA and they need foreign currency to pay it back. Zimbabwe has power outages because of this. The government needs to help ZESA pay back the debt to improve the power supply and get more affordable energy. Zimbabwe Power Company, a ZESA subsidiary, has to buy power from other countries to make up for the shortage.

ZESA Owes US$350 Million For Kariba Power Station Renovations

John Mangudya, CEO of the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), said that ZESA Holdings had productive talks with Indian firm Jindal Africa Investments over a US$350 million joint venture.
Mangudya told the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200037346/hwange-power-rehab-talks-successful">Independent</a> that the Jindal Africa Investments team recently visited Zimbabwe.
The partnership aims to refurbish six units at the Hwange Thermal Power Station. Said Mangudya:
<blockquote>
Yes, the team from Jindal was in the country to finalise on the rehabilitation agreement of Hwange Units 1 to 6 with ZESA. The meetings were successful.
</blockquote>
The Independent reported sources as saying that the team met with MIF, power utility ZESA, and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA).
In 2024, MIF approved the joint venture deal, which will be implemented under a rehabilitate, operate, and transfer (ROT) framework.
This investment is expected to add approximately 400 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Zimbabwe’s national grid, offering some relief as the country continues to grapple with severe power shortages.
In 2023, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned Hwange Power Station’s Units 7 and 8, adding 600MW to the national grid. This project, undertaken by Chinese firm Sinohydro, cost US$1.5 billion.

An Indian company called Jindal Africa Investments will work with Zimbabwe's ZESA to fix six units at the Hwange Thermal Power Station. The CEO of Mutapa Investment Fund, John Mangudya, says the talks were successful. This joint venture will cost US$350 million. It is expected to add 400 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Zimbabwe's power grid. This will help with the country's severe power shortages. In 2023, Chinese company Sinohydro also added 600MW to the grid at Hwange Power Station.

US$350M Hwange Power Station Refurbishment Talks "Successful" - Mangudya

Zimbabwe’s debilitating power cuts, which last for several hours a day or even days on end, are expected to continue into 2025.
The country’s power utility, ZESA Holdings, is struggling to generate enough electricity to meet demand due to low water levels at Kariba Dam and frequent breakdowns at the ageing Hwange Thermal Power Station.
The Kariba hydropower plant, with a total capacity of 1,050 megawatts (MW), has seen its generation drop to less than 200 MW.
During a press briefing, ZESA Holdings executive chairman, Sydney Gata, said that the power utility does not have the foreign currency required to import electricity from neighbouring countries. Said Gata (via <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/news/article/200036350/load-shedding-here-to-stay-says-zesa">The Standard</a>):
<blockquote>
More than 50% of our dependable capacity has been wiped out. This is the main reason behind load shedding.
The other factor is that power inputs to supplement the deficit are expensive and they demand foreign currency.
We do not have enough foreign currency to make up for the deficit.
</blockquote>
Gata reiterated his previous claims that 18 new power stations, collectively adding 4,600 MW of capacity, were under construction and set to commence operations by 2025.
However, Zimbabwean authorities have a history of making promises that are not fulfilled. In fact, Zimbabwe’s power crisis has been worsening over the years, rather than improving.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe is having a lot of power cuts that are expected to continue until 2025. This is because there isn't enough electricity being generated. The problem is due to low water levels at the Kariba Dam and old equipment at the Hwange Thermal Power Station. The power company doesn't have enough money to buy electricity from other countries. They say they're building new power stations, but past promises have not been kept. This means that the power cuts in Zimbabwe might get even worse in the future.

No End In Sight For Zimbabwe's Electricity Crisis

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

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

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) plans to invest US$62 million in a home solar systems project aimed at rural households, as part of the government’s initiative to achieve universal electricity access by 2030. The project targets 500,000 households.
This was made by Milton Munowadafa, ZESA’s managing director for the Eastern region, during the ninth Infrastructure and Investment Summit organised by the Global Renaissance, which commenced in Nyanga on Monday. Said Munowadafa (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zesa-to-power-500-000-rural-homes-with-solar-farirai-machivenyika-in-nyanga-senior-reporter-power-utility-zesa-is-planning-to-invest-62-million-in-a-home-solar-systems-project-targeting-rural-hous/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
ZESA would like to launch an innovative solar home systems project aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2030, recognising that extending the traditional grid to remote areas remains a logistical problem that is economically challenging, and ZESA has devised a sustainable solution to empower those under-serviced communities.
The initiative involves the distribution of solar home systems to remote customers under a pay-as-you-go arrangement, thereby making renewable energy accessible and affordable.
This model not only facilitates payment flexibility but also ensures that energy is both sustainable and economically viable for rural households.
The first phase of this ambitious project targets a roll-out to about 500,000 clients. This significantly advances ZESA’s commitment to energy inclusivity and sustainable growth.
By leveraging solar technology, ZESA is set to transform the energy landscape, providing reliable, clean, and affordable energy solutions to the most remote areas of the nation.
</blockquote>
ZESA is facing challenges in generating sufficient power to meet national demand, leading to daily load shedding of up to 15 hours in many parts of the country.
As of Monday, October 14, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a subsidiary of ZESA, was generating only 789 MW from Hwange and 184 MW from Kariba, which is less than half of the country’s total electricity requirements.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA wants to give solar energy to 500,000 rural homes to help them get electricity. They will spend $62 million on this project. They will use solar panels in areas that are hard to reach with normal electricity. People can pay slowly for the solar panels instead of all at once. ZESA hopes this project will help more people have clean and cheap energy. Currently, ZESA is struggling to provide enough power to everyone, which causes outages for up to 15 hours a day. This solar project aims to solve this problem.

ZESA Targets 500,000 Rural Households In Solar Energy Programme

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings, has successfully transitioned 95% of its domestic and small business customers from a post-paid to a prepaid billing system.
ZESA Executive Chairman Sydney Gata recently disclosed that the power utility is owed over ZiG5.7 billion by its customers, which includes domestic households, industries, commercial entities, and government departments.
In a recent statement, ZETDC announced that all medium and large customers in the commercial, industrial, tourism, and mining sectors, and institutions still on post-paid billing will be required to switch to prepaid billing for their electricity consumption starting next month. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
ZETDC would like to advise its valued customers that the migration of domestic and small business customers from post-paid platform to the prepaid platform has progressed well with 95% of the customers on the new platform.
This notice serves to advise that ALL medium and large customers in the Commercial, Industrial, Tourism, Mining sectors and Institutions that are still on postpaid billing, will be required to Prepay for their electricity consumption with effect from 01 October 2024.
Customers are therefore advised to settle all their outstanding bills by 30 September 2024, and implementation modalities will be communicated to account holders ahead of implementation.
Customers can contact their account managers or their nearest customer service centre for more information and assistance during the transition.
The prepayment system will empower customers in managing their electricity consumption and capacitate the utility in improving service delivery and achieving energy security.
</blockquote>
Gata said as of August 12, 2024, the mining industry owed the power company ZIG684.8 million, or 12% of the total debt, while industrial users owed ZESA 50% of the debt, or ZiG2.8 billion.
The amount owed by domestic consumers is ZiG84.6 million (1%) while the amount owed by commercial debtors is ZiG656.99 million (12%).
This substantial debt has placed considerable strain on ZESA’s financial position, restricting its capacity to invest in infrastructure and cover operational costs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA, a power company in Zimbabwe, has moved 95% of its residential and small business customers to prepaid electricity billing. Customers owe ZESA a lot of money, which is making it hard for the company to invest in new equipment. ZESA will require big businesses to switch to prepaid billing too, starting next month. This move is meant to help customers manage their electricity use better and help ZESA improve its service. The transition for these big customers will start on October 1, 2024.

ZESA Migrates 95% Of Domestic Users To Prepaid Electricity Billing

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has incurred losses of critical infrastructure valued at US$24 million due to vandalism since 2019.
In a recent press release, ZESA Executive Chairman Sydney Gata said equipment theft and vandalism pose significant risks, costing the power utility an estimated US$4 million annually.
Thieves primarily target copper and aluminium conductors, cables, transformer oil, pylons, and transformers.
In response, ZESA has been advocating for harsher, longer sentences for individuals convicted of infrastructure theft.
According to ZESA records, from 2019 to June 2024, there have been 7,186 recorded incidents, resulting in losses totalling US$24.4 million.
Gata also noted that the power entity is currently experiencing a supply shortfall of up to 540 MW during the high-demand winter period.
The average total power supply is around 1,310 MW, while peak demand reaches 1,850 MW, leading to significant load shedding. Said Gata:
<blockquote>
However, we experienced a fault at the Hwange Power Station Unit 8 last week and we had to switch it off.
These are normal technical hitches that happen during the infancy of any new plants and I’m glad to notify you that our engineers have resolved this and we expect to synchronise the unit to be back online soon.
The utility implemented measures to increase power supply with additional imports to augment local supply and interventions to restore capacity at Hwange Power Station stages 1 &amp; 2 that have been out due to forced outages.
Hwange Power Station’s ongoing re-powering programme is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the station’s reliability and output.
</blockquote>
On Thursday, August 29, the 1,050 MW Kariba South Hydroelectric Power Station was generating 215 MW, while the Hwange Thermal Power Station, with an installed capacity of 1,520 MW, was producing 1,099 MW.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's power company, ZESA, is losing a lot of money - $4 million each year - because people are stealing and breaking their equipment like wires and transformers. They want harsher punishments for those who do this. From 2019 to 2024, there were over 7,000 cases of theft, causing $24.4 million in losses. This is causing power shortages, especially in winter. ZESA is working on fixing the problems and increasing power supply. Kariba South Hydroelectric Power Station and Hwange Thermal Power Station are producing less power than they could.

Infrastructure Vandalism Costs ZESA US$4 Million Annually

Consumers owe ZESA Holdings more than ZiG5.7 billion when it is experiencing limited electricity generation due to low water levels at Kariba Dam, which supplies water to the 1 050 MW Kariba Hydropower plant, and ageing equipment at Hwange Thermal Power Station.
In a press release, ZESA Executive Chairman, Sydney Gata, revealed that the power utility has reduced imports from neighbouring countries due to its inability to service the arrears. He said:
<blockquote>
Furthermore, to try and mitigate the demand and supply gap, we have to resort to imports from other regional utilities and ZETDC is actively involved in the Sapp Day Ahead Market to access any excess power from the region.
The imports have, however, been reduced as we do not have full capacity to service the arrears.
</blockquote>
Gata also said ZESA is owed a staggering ZIG5.7 billion by various customers, including domestic households, industries, commercial entities and government departments.
Gata said as of August 12, 2024, the mining industry owed the power company ZIG684.8 million, or 12% of the total debt, while industrial users owed ZESA 50% of the debt, or ZiG2.8 billion.
The amount owed by domestic consumers is ZiG84.6 million (1%) while the amount owed by commercial debtors is ZiG656.99 million (12%).
This substantial debt has placed considerable strain on ZESA’s financial position, restricting its capacity to invest in infrastructure and cover operational costs.
In light of ongoing supply shortages, ZESA has been compelled to export electricity during non-peak hours to generate foreign currency.
These funds are essential for meeting critical obligations, including loan repayments, water bills, coal purchases, and infrastructure maintenance.
Gata urged customers to pay their electricity bills promptly, noting that ZESA has begun disconnecting those with outstanding arrears. He said:
<blockquote>
We have embarked on a disconnection blitz to ensure that those who pay for electricity get the service due to them.
This will also see an enhanced installation of prepaid meters across the customer segments.
</blockquote>
Gata said that following government approval of a cost-reflective tariff in December, cash flows have significantly improved, though they remain insufficient due to exchange rate losses.
The cash flow situation reveals a negative variance between cash received and cash obligations, indicating that the foreign currency generated is primarily used to meet critical commitments.
These include monthly loan obligations for the Hwange 7 and 8 expansion, averaging US$36 million and payable exclusively in US dollars, as well as Afreximbank loan obligations.
Other essential expenses encompass payments for water, coal, fuel, and critical spare parts for generation, transmission, and distribution. Additionally, funds are required for legacy loan instalments, operational vehicle replacements, national grid rehabilitation, and the refurbishment of distribution infrastructure.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA, the company that provides electricity, is facing problems because they don't have enough money. People owe them a lot of money, which is making it hard for them to import power. The company is owed ZiG5.7 billion by customers, including industries, businesses, and even the government. This debt is stopping ZESA from investing in new equipment and covering their costs. ZESA is now cutting off those who don't pay their bills, and they are trying to export electricity to make money. The situation is tough, even though the government approved higher prices for electricity in December.

ZESA Has No Money For Power Imports, Utility Owed ZiG5.7 Billion

ZESA Holdings, the national power utility, is implementing increased load-shedding schedules across Zimbabwe due to reduced electricity generation capacity at the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
In a statement issued on Saturday evening, ZESA explained that a technical issue that occurred at the Hwange Thermal Power Station’s 300 MW Unit 8 has resulted in a generation shortfall on the national grid. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
ZESA Holdings would like to inform its valued customers that the national power grid is currently experiencing reduced electricity generation capacity due to a technical challenge that occurred at the Hwange Thermal Power Station’s Unit 8.
As a result of this generation shortfall, the utility has had to implement increased load shedding schedules across the country in order to balance electricity supply and demand.
Our technical teams are frantically working on resolving the fault so as to minimize the impact on customers.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during this period.
</blockquote>
According to an update provided by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) earlier on Saturday, August 24, the Hwange Thermal Power Station was generating only 635 MW of electricity. This represents a significant decline from the over 1,000 MW it was producing before August 21.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's power company, ZESA Holdings, is increasing power cuts because a power station has a problem. The Hwange Thermal Power Station is not making enough electricity because of an issue with Unit 8. The company is sorry for the inconvenience and is working to fix the problem. Before the issue, the power station made over 1,000 MW of electricity, but now it's only making 635 MW. This means there's less electricity for people in Zimbabwe, so they have to have more power cuts.

Hwange Power Station Fault Forces ZESA To Increase Load Shedding

ZESA Holdings, Zimbabwe’s power utility, has reported a loss of 800 megawatts of electricity generation capacity due to hydrological challenges at the Kariba South Hydroelectric Power Station, further exacerbating the country’s ongoing power crisis.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, in Parliament last week while responding to questions from lawmakers regarding the electricity supply situation in Zimbabwe.
According to the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), the water available for power generation (usable live storage) at Lake Kaiba on 20 June 2024 stood at 12,54% compared to 31,23% during the same period in 2023. Said Minister Moyo:
<blockquote>
The issue of power supply in the country is heavily affected by hydrological issues in Lake Kariba, where we have lost over 800 megawatts.
The stored capacity at Kariba is 1 050 megawatts and we are only able to produce 214 megawatts on average because of the water rationing which has resulted in low inflows in the lake.
From that perspective, after losing over 800 megawatts, it makes it very difficult to sufficiently supply power in the country.
</blockquote>
Moyo said to address the power challenges, the government has commissioned Hwange Thermal Plant Units 7 and 8, which produce a combined 600 megawatts daily. He added:
<blockquote>
We also have Units 1 to 6, where we have 4 units in operation and they are producing an average of 300 megawatts. Some of those units are not very reliable and we have come up with a mechanism to constantly repair them…
The other measures that we have put in place include renewable energy, efforts where we have given licences to several IPPs which are developing their own projects.
</blockquote>
Zimbabweans are experiencing extensive rolling blackouts, with power outages lasting approximately 15 hours per day, except on Sundays in certain areas.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"ZESA Lost 800MW Capacity At Kariba Hydropower Station"

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 Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a unit of ZESA Holdings, is facing challenges in procuring spare parts and equipment to repair ageing machinery due to high costs from manufacturers and a lack of funds.
Responding to inquiries from members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy on a tour of Hwange Power Station last Wednesday, ZPC general manager, Shepherd Mukundu said (via <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zpc-struggles-to-procure-new-equipment/">Chronicle</a>):
<blockquote>
I think we have two major challenges with the proprietary equipment that comes from the original equipment manufacturer.
It’s a patented technology, not commercialised and it’s protected by patents of those designing equipment and is not off the shelf.
So, you will find that in the power generation industry, most of the major spares are better in terms of performance and if you need them you have to go back to the original manufacturer and that has been the trend.
One of our biggest challenges with proprietary equipment is that it becomes very expensive. You have no alternative so they charge you an arm and a leg and lately, that has been the trend.
</blockquote>
ZPC is reportedly collecting between US$50 million and US$55 million in revenue, which is not enough to service its debts as well as operational costs.
The company also collects around ZiG300 million and spends between US$20-25 million per month on imports to augment the increasing power demand.
Zimbabwe is currently generating about 1 600MW against a peak demand of 2 200MW.
To reduce the cost of electricity equipment, the government suspended duty on power equipment including critical spares and transformers imported by ZESA Holdings subsidiaries.
The two-year suspension, which was announced under Statutory Instrument 93 of 2024 cited as Customs and Excise (Suspension) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 272) published in the Government Gazette is set to benefit ZESA Enterprise (ZENT), Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) and ZPC.
The Hwange Power Station, which is generating over 50% of locally produced power, is operating below capacity with six out of eight units not working efficiently due to incessant breakdowns.
Most of the equipment at the coal-fired power station is over 35 years old and yet the design lifespan of a power plant is 25 years.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZPC Struggles To Procure Spare Parts Due To High Costs, Shortage Of Funds

The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, on Thursday suspended duty on power equipment, critical spares and transformer components imported by subsidiaries under ZESA Holdings.
ZESA Holdings’ subsidiaries are ZESA Enterprises (ZENT), Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) and Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC).
The suspension was announced in Statutory Instrument 93 of 2024 cited as Customs and Excise (Suspension) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 272) published in an Extraordinary Government Gazette on Thursday. It reads in part:
<blockquote>
Subject to this section and to such conditions as the (ZIMRA) Commissioner General may fix, a suspension of duty shall be granted for a period of two years, on power equipment, critical spares following commodity codes, imported by ZENT, ZETDC, the successor company of the ZETDC and the ZPC.
</blockquote>
The elimination of duty will enable ZESA’s subsidiaries to acquire necessary equipment and components at a lower cost.
It will also allow for more efficient maintenance and repair of power infrastructure. Timely repairs and replacements can minimise downtime and improve service reliability.
ZESA has lost millions due to vandalism and theft of its equipment, particularly transformers and the suspension of duty is expected to reduce the financial burden of replacing stolen or damaged equipment.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Government Suspends Import Duty On ZESA Equipment

ZESA Holdings has issued a grave warning regarding mining activities near the Marvel Substation in Bulawayo.
The substation, critical for distributing electricity to the city, the country, and parts of the southern African region, faces the risk of collapse due to these mining operations.
The potential destruction of electrical equipment could have far-reaching consequences.
The Marvel Substation plays a pivotal role in supplying power to essential facilities, serving approximately two million people across Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, and North provinces. Its significance extends beyond the city, impacting a vast population in the region.
Vital infrastructure, including Ncema Water Works (which provides water to Bulawayo), Turk Mine, How Mine, Fernhill Water Works, and the entire City of Bulawayo, depends on the reliable functioning of the Marvel Substation.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/zesa-warns-of-mining-threat-to-critical-substation/">CITE</a> reported sources as saying the mining is being conducted by a group with “political connections” who are disregarding ZESA’s warnings about the dangers of mining near the substation. Said a source:
<blockquote>
Marvel Substation connects all power stations in Bulawayo and surrounding areas. It is linked to other regions of the country and the whole of South Africa via the Insukamini Substation.
</blockquote>
Blasting from the mining activities poses a significant risk to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company’s (ZETDC) operations and substation infrastructure. Added the source:
<blockquote>
These mining explosions threaten the infrastructure and could disrupt the electricity supply not only in Bulawayo but also across Zimbabwe and the region.
Those mining at the location have been warned of the potential harm, yet they continue their activities.
</blockquote>
ZESA insiders also expressed concern about the risk of electrocution for substation staff if the infrastructure is damaged by voltage interference.
ZETDC’s Engineering Manager, Proud Mundenda, referred inquiries to ZESA Holdings’ Stakeholder Relations Communication and Welfare George Manyaya.
Manyaya then directed CITE’s queries to ZETDC’s acting public relations officer, Alaina Suliwa, who reportedly requested written questions.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mining Activities Threaten Critical ZESA Substation

ZESA Holdings has dismissed as false, a post on social media site, X, which alleges that the Supreme Court ordered the power utility to pay Wicknell Chivayo US$33 million after the company’s “CEO” allegedly failed to appear in court.
Chivayo is a controversial socialite who has been buying expensive cars for artists linked to ZANU PF over the past few weeks.
In a statement, ZESA Holdings said it has no case that is pending before the Supreme Court involving Chivayo. It said:
<blockquote>
ZESA Holdings has taken note of a post circulating on social media, falsely claiming that the Supreme Court has ordered the payment of US$33 Million to Mr. Wicknell Chivayo.
The post further alleges that the order was granted against ZESA after its “CEO” allegedly failed to appear in court.
We would like to advise our valued stakeholders that the contents of the aforesaid post are grossly misleading, false and maliciously calculated to misinform the general public.
For the avoidance of doubt, ZESA has no case that is pending before the Supreme Court involving the individual referred to in the post circulating on social media.
ZESA reassures its customers, stakeholders and the general public of its commitment to principles of good governance, chief among which are integrity and accountability.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Dismisses US$33 Million Payment To Chivayo Report

The Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, has said private sector investments in Zimbabwe’s power sector have been negatively affected by currency-induced risks.
Moyo told <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/business-digest/article/200021234/currency-crisis-holding-back-power-deals-govt">The Independent</a> that the Government will ensure that a cost-reflective electricity tariff is in place to capacitate power utility ZESA Holdings and attract investment from the private sector. He said:
<blockquote>
Everything hinges on currency convertibility. Everything hinges on the capacity of the off-taker (of electricity) to pay through a cost-reflective tariff, which is now being addressed. These are some of the measures that have been put in place to attract investments.
The other thing is that we are not looking so much from outside. We want to mobilise resources internally for the upgrade and integrity of our transmission infrastructure and the development of new lines.
We are looking at the current route towards cost reflectivity to capacitate the utility (ZESA) to improve our transmission.
We have said the private sector must play its part. The government will remain largely as a regulator and not an active player.
Beyond that, we are inviting the private sector through policy formulation (especially) the indexation of the tariffs to the US dollars.
</blockquote>
In October, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) awarded ZESA a 2 US cents tariff increase, taking the price to 12 US cents, from 10 US cents.
However, the current average power price per kilowatt hour (kwh) in southern Africa is 12.54 US cents.
The majority of Zimbabweans pay for electricity in the local currency, which depreciated by over 700% this year alone.
The country is currently generating just over 1 000 megawatts (MW) per day against a national demand estimated at 1 800 MW.
On Wednesday, 27 December, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), which is ZESA Holdings’ power generating unit, said the country was generating a total of 1 187 MW.
Hwange Power Station was producing a paltry 382 MW even though its installed capacity is over 1 000MW.
Kariba South Hydro Power Station was generating the bulk of the power, 750MW, despite dwindling water levels in Lake Kariba.
ZPC said independent power producers (IPPs) were generating 55MW.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Low Electricity Tariffs Holding Back Investments Into Energy Sector - Minister

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Holdings says the current gap between electricity demand and supply will continue in the medium term.
Zimbabwe requires 1 850 megawatts per day and on Friday the country was generating 1 285 megawatts, with 41 megawatts coming from independent power producers (IPPs), while Kariba and Hwange were producing 570 megawatts and 674 megawatts respectively.
ZESA Executive Chairperson, Sydney Gata told <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/?p=17473">ZBC News</a> that the ongoing load shedding is attributable to subdued generation capacity at Kariba South Hydro Power Station.
Gata revealed that Kariba South hydropower station currently generates 300 megawatts against an installed capacity of 1050 megawatts.
This comes after the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) restricted water allocations for power generation due to low water levels in the Kariba Dam. Said Gata:
<blockquote>
Generally, power supply in the short to medium term will continue to be a challenge. The predominant factor here is the hydrology of the Zambezi River which seems to be affected by climate change.
We have 1 050 megawatts of installed capacity at Kariba South. We have been directed to only use 300 megawatts of capacity which means we have lost 750 megawatts which is 50 percent of the dependable capacity of Zimbabwe’s power.
</blockquote>
He said ZESA has come up with a contingency plan that will address the power situation in the medium to long term. Gata said:
<blockquote>
We now have contingency plans made possible, we have already received power station proposals from IPPS who want to finance their own power stations, and coal power base load plants.
They will aggregate that to 1600 megawatts. This is because we now have a cost-reflective tariff. We are also sitting on over 100 licences for small renewable energy IPP projects.
</blockquote>
The construction of two new units at Hwange Power Station (7 and 8) to generate a combined 600 megawatts has not resulted in reduced load shedding.
Unit 7 tripped two weeks before it was due for Class C maintenance resulting in longer power cuts. Unit 8 is set to be taken off the grid soon as it is also due for Class C maintenance.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Boss Says Load Shedding To Continue In The Medium Term

Power utility ZESA Holdings is utilising a huge chunk of its resources to import power from neighbouring countries, with the import bill ballooning to US$250 million a year.
Local businesses and residents of affluent suburbs have been forced to use backup diesel generators due to power blackouts.
ZESA Holdings’ power generation unit, the Zimbabwe Power Company, generates about 1 500 megawatts per day, against a national demand of at least 1 800MW.
In order to cover the shortfall ZESA imports from South Africa’s power utility Eskom, Hydro Cahora Bassa of Mozambique, and from Zambia.
Speaking during the signing of an MoU between ZESA Enterprises and Chinese firm Dinson Iron and Steel Company, ZESA executive chairman Sydney Gata said the power utility was spending too much on power imports. Gata said, as quoted by <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/zesa-fret-over-hefty-import-bill/">Business Times</a>:
<blockquote>
We are spending too much. In one year we spent a quarter of a billion dollars but I am pleased to say that our government is aware of the challenges and we are working on initiatives that will bring an end to our challenges.
</blockquote>
Turning to the deal with Dinson Iron and Steel Company, which is constructing a US$1.5 billion steel manufacturing plant in Manhize near Mvuma, Gata said the power utility will be able to acquire steel products locally. He said:
<blockquote>
In terms of the agreement, we will provide steel products for use in infrastructure with the most notable being transmission towers and steel used for power transmission infrastructure.
We have been importing this from China, Japan, India and sometimes also from South Africa. We will make them here in Zimbabwe and we are grateful for this game-changer.
Steel is a major part of the transformation of any economy for the good of the nation as a whole.
</blockquote>
ZESA Enterprises Managing Director Godfrey Mugaviri signed on behalf of the power utility.
Dinson Iron and Steel company chairman Benson Xu said:
<blockquote>
To me the most important things are steel and power, that is electricity. Without electricity and steel, there is no vision to talk about.
Vision 2030 mainly talks about industrialisation and it is all about power and steel at the end of the day.
I am happy our company is part of the journey to achieve that. I am happy we are strengthening relations between ZESA Enterprises to achieve the targets of that vision together.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA "Spending Too Much" On Power Imports, Says Gata

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

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

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

ZESA Allocates 120MW To Winter Wheat Farmers

<a href="https://wiki.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">ZESA Holdings</a>‘ acting managing director Norbert Mataruse has said it needs at least US$5 million to resuscitate the Harare Power Station. 
He made the remarks during the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy tour to assess the state of affairs at the power plant. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200010635/us5m-required-to-resuscitate-harare-power-station">NewsDay</a> cites Mataruse as saying:
<blockquote>
We need about US$5 million for this plant to enable us to get a turbine that is meant for rehabilitation to bring the plant to life. When we look at the whole plant, we need far more. This amount will only get us to 30 megawatts.
The plants were built in 1942 and 1958 and they are very old and need rehabilitation. What we are focusing on now is for Zesa and Zimbabwe Power Station to repurpose small thermal stations so that investors can come in and take over the running of stations through some kind of agreement.
</blockquote>
According to Mataruse, the Harare Power Station has additional problems with its boiler pumps that require US$50 000 for repairs in South Africa. The plant’s boilers are old and suffer from tube leaks, and coal ash produces solid waste that requires investment to manage.
The power station’s bulldozers for moving coal are currently broken and need repair. The milling plant requires US$516 000, but a US$77 000 deposit is needed to manufacture the necessary equipment.
Mataruse stated that the power plant had not undergone significant maintenance, which is why it has aged and is now failing.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZESA Needs US$5 Million To Resuscitate Harare Power Station

Energy and Power Development Minister Zhemu Soda has said the commissioning of two new units at Hwange Thermal Power Plant, that is units 7 and 8, “is complex”.
This comes amid indications that the state-owned power utility, ZESA Holdings, has missed several deadlines to commission the units and ease load shedding in the country.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/power-outages-ease-supply-not-guaranteed/">Business Weekly</a> last week, Soda said the synchronisation of Unit 7 for it to come on board was “almost complete.” He said:
<blockquote>
A lot of processes are involved; these include testing the performance compliance levels at various production levels.
You need to understand the behaviour of the plant; say when it is producing 100 MW, or 200MW.
So even when we switch them on, we still have to do all those processes and when that is done, we can then start producing at a commercial scale.
</blockquote>
Soda said the COVID-19 pandemic also delayed the commissioning of units 7 and 8 as technicians from China could not travel to Zimbabwe.
He added that Sino Hydro, the company contracted to build 7 &amp; 8 had subcontracted ABB to conduct testing of the protection system but due to the resurgence of the pandemic late last year, the technicians failed to travel to Zimbabwe.
When the technicians eventually arrived, it took time for them to understand the system and they also needed to be reinforced by a team from South Africa.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Commissioning Of Hwange Units 7 & 8 Complex"

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"

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

ZESA Fails To Pay Coal Suppliers

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.

ZESA Says Electricity Situation Will Improve Soon

The Harare City Council has advised residents that the current electricity crisis in the country has affected the local authority’s capacity to supply water to residents within the scheduled water rationing scheme.
Load shedding has intensified in the past month with consumers going for at least 18 hours a day without electricity.
The power utility, Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), is currently generating around 500MW against a peak demand of 2 200MW.
The electricity crisis has been attributed to recurrent breakdowns at the Hwange Thermal Power Station as well as receding water levels at Kariba Dam which supplies water for power generation to Zimbabwe’s only reliable power plant, the Kariba South power station.
In a post on its official social media handle on Monday, the City of Harare said the power cuts have negatively affected the pumping of water to residents. It said:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare wishes to advise all the residents and other stakeholders that the incessant power cuts have affected the scheduled water rationing scheme.
Some parts of the city which receive water through a series of pumping will be greatly affected. Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.
</blockquote>
ZimLive reported a source at Town House as saying the situation is dire as operations at the Morton Jaffrey treatment plant have virtually stalled.
Harare Residents Trust Director Precious Shumba said that water challenges in Harare’s suburbs started long before the current electricity crisis. Said Shumba:
<blockquote>
Electricity challenges have worsened the situation but the root cause of inadequate water supplies is the ageing underground water infrastructure, poor prioritisation of water provision and shortage of water treatment chemicals due to the unavailability of foreign currency.
Most suburbs have been experiencing water shortages for several months now, even before the electricity supplies worsened.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/power-cuts-worsen-harare-water-woes-as-treatment-works-stall/">ZimLive</a>

Load Shedding Has Disrupted Pumping Of Water, Says Harare Council

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

"Zimbabwe Should Make Huge Investments In Solar Energy"

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

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