Zesa effects measures to reduce electricity consumption

Leroy Dzenga

Zimbabwe’s power utility Zesa has announced measures to cut back on electricity consumption by consumers, as the country tries to manage shortages.

Zimbabwe in recent days has been experiencing improved power supplies following a payment plan agreement between Zesa and its South African counterparts Eskom.

In a statement Zesa announced what it termed the stepped domestic tariff.

“In line with the recently approved Electricity tariffs for
2019, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) would like to advise its valued customers that it has now started
implementing the stepped pre-payment tariff for domestic consumers to replace the flat rate tariff of 14c/kWh which was previously used for domestic customers.

“The flat-rate tariff afforded customers of electricity a standard tariff for purchases despite the kWh purchased and the number of times customers bought electricity in the month and was thus wasteful and expensive for low power users,” read the statement.

“Zesa believes this tariff structure will help curb wasteful energy use.
Implementation of the stepped domestic pre-payment tariff is designed to encourage consumers to conserve electricity in the face of the current power supply situation.

“The stepped domestic electricity tariff encourages customers to use electricity more sparingly and efficiently and rewards them with a lower tariff, with heavy domestic power users having to pay more for higher consumption.

“Customers are thus advised to buy electricity units that are sufficient for their monthly consumption as any excess units would be charged at
the higher tariff,” the statement added.

Zimbabwe is facing a power crisis as a result of the drought which has reduced low water levels at Kariba Dam, the country’s main source of hydro-electricity.