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A man named Sylvester Marima, who resides in Block 2 of Mbare Flats in Harare, Zimbabwe, has been convicted and handed a 10-year prison sentence at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison for the theft of armoured cables owned by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC). The trial took place before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, with Tofara Chimbambo representing ZETDC during the proceedings. ZETDC is a subsidiary of ZESA Holdings.
What happened:
According to the prosecutor, Mandy Chigumira, the incident occurred on December 9, 2023. Marima took advantage of the absence of people on the ZETDC premises and illicitly gained access by forcibly opening a backdoor using an unidentified object.
Once inside, Marima caused damage to 15 core armoured cables that were positioned from the ceiling to the Zesa distribution board box. Additionally, it was revealed that he deliberately set fire to the cables to extract the valuable copper they contained.
The crime was brought to light by Taurai Mangombe, a nearby mechanic who noticed smoke emanating from the ZETDC premises. Curious, he decided to investigate the source of the smoke. To his surprise, Mangombe discovered Marima and his unidentified accomplices burning the stolen cables.
Promptly, Mangombe contacted the CID Minerals, Fauna, and Flora Unit detectives, leading to Marima’s subsequent arrest. Although the burned armoured cables were recovered by the police, Marima’s accomplices managed to flee the scene upon realising the presence of the law enforcement officers.
Chimbambo, the ZETDC loss control officer, was summoned to verify that the confiscated property belonged to the power company, confirming its ownership.
Marima initially denied the charges but was ultimately found guilty after the trial, resulting in a 10-year imprisonment at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
Copper cable theft is a significant issue in Zimbabwe and South Africa. It particularly affects organizations like ZESA, TelOne, and the National Railways of Zimbabwe. The theft has negatively affected the provision of essential services such as internet and electricity. Thieves steal these cables and then sell them in South Africa, where they are further sold to countries abroad. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Mbare Man Convicted Of Armoured Cable Theft Receives 10-Year Sentence

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), which is a part of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), has announced that there was a fault at the Insukamini 330KV Substation this morning. As a result, there was a loss of electricity across the whole country. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the power company said it was working to fix the issue and restore normal service as quickly as possible. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
Notice on Fault at Insukamini 330KV Substation loss of power on the national grid
ZESA Holdings would like to inform its valued customers that the national grid experienced a system surge this morning at 05h22, which was triggered by a busbar fault at the Insukamini 330kV substation in Bulawayo. This led to the loss of power on the national grid.
Power has since been restored to most parts of the country, and our technical teams are on the ground to ensure full restoration of service in the shortest possible time.
</blockquote>
Some parts of Zimbabwe have been experiencing prolonged power outages, even before the rainy season began. This is not a new problem for the country, as it has been struggling with insufficient electricity supply for many years. The peak demand for electricity in Zimbabwe is estimated at 1,850 megawatts (MW), but the current capacity falls below 1,200 MW from the country’s major power generation plants, including Hwange Thermal Power Station and Kariba Hydrothermal Power Station, as well as smaller thermal plants and Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
The main challenges contributing to the power shortage include ageing equipment, which the government and its partners are addressing by renovating power stations like Hwange Thermal. The Kariba Hydropower station is also producing less electricity than its capacity because the Zambezi River Authority limits water usage by Zimbabwe and Zambia. Additionally, there have been issues with coal supply, as miners are hesitant to supply power stations citing payment delays.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Fault At Insukamini 330KV Substation Leads To Loss Of Power On The National Grid - ZESA

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), led by Douglas Mwonzora, stated that the police and Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) did not find any evidence of wrongdoing when they searched Morgan Tsvangirai House. There were allegations that the party was not paying electricity bills and tampering with electricity meters at its headquarters.
Mwonzora emphasised that the MDC is a law-abiding and professional party that would never allow its offices to be involved in criminal activities. He said:
<blockquote>
Yesterday, acting on a false and malicious “tip off,” ZRP and ZESA officials visited our headquarters, demanding to carry out certain investigations. We agreed, and they did their work. Nothing amis was found at our headquarters all. 
We are grateful at the level of professionalism shown by the investigators in this case. What was clear is that people opposed to our leadership wanted to harass and embarrass our organisation through abuse of state institutions.  
  
The MDC is law-abiding and professional and can never allow its offices to be used for crime. We are busy with the program of serious reconstruction of our party to be the effective vanguard of the people to deliver democratic change.
</blockquote>
Mwonzora’s post came after the MDC released a statement alleging that the police and ZESA received false information from the MDC’s enemies. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>False Tip-off to ZESA by Our Enemies</h3>
MDC condemns in the strongest terms the recent attempt by our adversaries to mislead the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) officials and the Zimbabwe Republic Police with false accusations regarding alleged illegal power connections at our party headquarters. Our erstwhile and fervent enemies are resoning to desperate measures to divert attention from the critical bread and butter issues currently occupying the minds of our people. This orchestrated effon to tarnish our pany’s image through baseless allegations is a clear indication of the lengths they are willing to go to undermine the democratic principles we stand for. In the spirit of transparency and our commitment to upholding the rule of law, we allowed the police and ZESA officials unhindered access to thoroughly investigate the false claims. We are pleased to announce that their findings have vindicated our party, as no evidence of any illegal power connections was discovered.
Our adversaries have recently engaged in other nefarious activities, including a violent attempt to overrun our party headquarters just a fortnight ago. They resorted to hiring thugs in an attempt to disrupt law and order, jeopardizing the safety of our members. Additionally, we must address the recent attempt to incite rebellion among our workers under false pretenses. Despite these challenges, we want to assure our supporters and the nation at large that the MDC remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles of democracy, justice, and the well-being of the Zimbabwean people.
As we navigate through these adversities, we reiterate our dedication to the people’s cause. The MDC will forge ahead with the current reconstruction under the theme of the 3Rs: Reset, Restart, and Recover all.
Our focus will remain on addressing the genuine concerns of our people and working towards a Zimbabwe that is free, inclusive, and prosperous for all. It has always been about the people, and it shall remain so until Zimbabwe is free from the shackles of oppression and stands as a beacon of democracy and justice.
</blockquote>
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Police, ZESA "Found Nothing" After Pouncing On Morgan Tsvangirai House Over "Tampering With Metres"

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Energy_Distribution_and_Transmission_Company/">Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC)</a>, a subsidiary of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA/">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA</a>), yesterday announced that all <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/10/your-prepaid-meter-will-require-an-upgrade-zesa/">prepaid meters will need to be upgraded</a> to continue accepting tokens. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the power utility stated that this process will be carried out in stages, starting from one area and then moving to the next. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>Your Prepaid meter will require an upgrade</h3>
All prepaid meters will require upgrading in order for them to continue accepting tokens. Therefore all customers will be required to uprade their prepaid meters.
The exercise will be done in phases from one area to another and schedules will be communicated in due course.
<div class="in_article">
<div>
To upgrade your meter, you will receive 3 sets of tokens when you purchase electricity. Upgrading is done by entering all the three sets of tokens in the order they are provided.
Make the smart move today.
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<h3>The 4 Steps:</h3>
Today, the power utility issued an update on the matter notifying power consumers that they can upgrade their meters in “just 4 easy steps”. Read the update:
<blockquote>
STEP 1 Purchase electricity You will get three sets of 20-digit tokens when you purchase electricity. The upgrade tokens are generated when you purchase electricity and are not paid for.
STEP 2 Enter the first set of 20-digit tokens Wait until Confirmation is received before proceeding.
STEP 3 Enter the second set of 20-digit tokens Wait until Confirmation is received before proceeding.
STEP 4  Enter the third set of 20-digit tokens Once complete your recharge token (the 3rd token) will be loaded successfully.
</blockquote>
ZETDC has stated that if you bought any electricity tokens before the upgrade, you must input them into your meter before the upgrade takes place. ZETDC says it will not take responsibility for any old tokens that were not used or recharged before the upgrade.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

4 Steps To Upgrade Electricity Prepaid Meters - ZETDC

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Energy_Distribution_and_Transmission_Company/">Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC)</a>, a subsidiary of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA/">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA</a>), has announced that all prepaid meters will need to be upgraded to continue accepting tokens. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the power utility stated that this process will be carried out in stages, starting from one area and then moving to the next. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>Your Prepaid meter will require an upgrade</h3>
All prepaid meters will require upgrading in order for them to continue accepting tokens. Therefore all customers will be required to uprade their prepaid meters.
The exercise will be done in phases from one area to another and schedules will be communicated in due course.
To upgrade your meter, you will receive 3 sets of tokens when you purchase electricity. Upgrading is done by entering all the three sets of tokens in the order they are provided.
Make the smart move today.
</blockquote>
The announcement about upgrading prepaid meters has received different responses. Some people question why it needs to be done in phases and suggest doing it when customers purchase tokens. Others express concerns about the need to prioritise power generation. Some individuals request that the upgrade process consider physical addresses for token distribution, as some homeowners have not updated their information. Others ask if there are alternative ways to upgrade, as they are often not at home. Some individuals express disappointment with the power utility’s service delivery and its handling of faults. 
ZESA prepaid meters were introduced in the early 2000s in Zimbabwe. With these meters, customers can buy tokens and load them onto the meter to pay for electricity in advance. This system was put in place to improve billing accuracy and collect payments more efficiently. Over time, there have been updates and changes to the prepaid meter system, and now there is a requirement for all meters to be upgraded for token acceptance to continue.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Your Prepaid Meter Will Require An Upgrade - ZESA

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has said it is experiencing depressed electricity generation due to technical faults, which recently happened at Hwange Power Station. In a statement released on 23 October 2023, the power utility said this occurrence has resulted in increased load shedding. Read the statement seen by Pindula News
<blockquote>
ZESA Holdings would like to inform its valued customers that it is experiencing depressed generation owing to technical faults, which have recently happened at Hwange Power Station. This occurrence has resulted in increased load shedding.
Furthermore, we wish to notify Stakeholders that the Hwange Unit 7, which was synchronized in March 2023, is scheduled to undergo Class C Maintenance, a statutory procedure that requires the Unit to be taken off the grid after running for a defined period. This work is expected to be completed within 30 days.
Please be assured that we are working around the clock to implement measures aimed at reducing the severity of load shedding.
Valued Customers are encouraged to use electricity sparingly.
The inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.
</blockquote>
According to ZETDC, as of today, October 25, 2023, Zimbabwe generated a total of 1207MW of electricity. This electricity is produced from various power stations including Hwange Thermal Power Station, Kariba Hydropower Station, Small Thermals, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). However, it is worth noting that the power stations in Harare and Bulawayo are not currently contributing to electricity production.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZESA Experiencing Depressed Electricity Generation Due To Faults At Hwange Power Station

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) is planning to raise electricity tariffs from US$0.1063 to US$0.1263 in order to raise funds. ZETDC is seeking to collect around US$2.95 billion to strengthen its network.
The utility also disclosed that it is owed US$243 million by electricity consumers and faces challenges in connecting 400,000 customers due to insufficient funding caused by low tariffs and vandalism of infrastructure. The ZESA subsidiary said non-cost-reflective tariff structures between 2009 and 2022 have resulted in a revenue deficit for the utility. The proposed tariff increase is currently being discussed in consultations led by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA). Speaking at the ongoing ZERA-led consultations with consumers on the proposed tariff increase, ZETDC said: 
<blockquote>
The impact was failure to maintain, expand and rehabilitate the electricity infrastructure at the same level as the number of consumers increased.
In order to maintain credit worthiness, ZETDC has to pay US$35 million every month towards the servicing of a loan for the upgrade of Hwange 7 and 8 power generators to the Chinese who did the rehabilitation works.
</blockquote>
ZETDC also stated that the current electricity tariff rate of US$0.1063c, which was last approved in 2019, is insufficient to meet their financial obligations and power generation needs. ZETDC has acknowledged the concerns raised by residents regarding their contributions towards acquiring transformers and other infrastructure. The utility clarified that while there are different methods of making contributions, they bear the ultimate responsibility for maintaining their infrastructure.
To address issues of vandalism, which has led to the need for 27,000 transformer replacements, ZETDC plans to introduce anti-intrusion detectors for transformer protection. Residents who wish to contribute towards securing their transformers can coordinate with ZETDC officials, but the mechanism for these contributions needs to be reviewed to ensure transparency and accountability. ZETDC said it recognises the importance of working collaboratively with residents to address infrastructure challenges and improve service delivery.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZETDC Planning To Raise Electricity Tariffs

South Africa’s Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramakgopa, has emphasized that the ongoing power outages are severely affecting the country’s economy.
Ramakgopa stated that the power utility spends around R30 billion on diesel to maintain the power supply, and the government is collaborating with Eskom on alternative power generation methods.
During a virtual media briefing on Friday, he announced that 2000 megawatts are expected to be added to the grid by the end of the year. He said:
<blockquote>
The point we are making is that there has to be some degree of urgency. We can see some of these projects that they have announced are only connecting end of the financial year, but we need to move with speed and address the issues that constitute an emergency, so that we are able to protect the South African economy.
</blockquote>
During his visit to vehicle manufacturers in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Ramokgopa emphasized the importance of preserving jobs and electricity in the automotive industry for its long-term sustainability.
Ramokgopa noted that the stop-and-start power outages are causing workers to lose up to 20% of their weekly wages. Volkswagen has taken steps to address this issue by installing PV and aggressively rolling out digital PV, investing about R70 million to convert the car park to PV. They are also adjusting their production schedule to maximize output.
The power crisis affecting Southern Africa, including South Africa and Zimbabwe, has resulted in <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/03/17/zimbabwe-power-outages-to-ease-from-20-march-zesa/">power cuts</a> due to a shortage of electricity supply. These power cuts have significant impacts on daily life, businesses, and the economy in these countries.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindua News</a></h2>

South Africa's Electricity Minister Ramakgopa Says Power Outages Severely Affecting The Economy

Industry warns that paying electricity tariffs in US$ will worsen Zimbabwe’s economic crisis. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)</a> has announced that it will charge power usage in US$, but this move is seen as exacerbating the already dire situation faced by companies, which are experiencing prolonged power outages of up to 20 hours a day.
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Confederation_of_Zimbabwe_Industries">Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI)</a> acknowledges that ZESA imports electricity and pays in US$, but urges the authority to assume the responsibility of obtaining foreign currency and to remove it from the burden of companies. NewZimbabwe cites CZI as saying:
<blockquote>
However, while this need is clear, the liability for raising this foreign currency should not be passed on to business.
Rather, ZESA should be able to purchase foreign currency from the auction or WBWS like every other importer, rather than getting the prerogative of charging in only one currency in a dual currency environment, where businesses earn a portion in ZWL$.
</blockquote>
The industry in Zimbabwe is experiencing increased costs due to power cuts, which are causing damage to machines and increased production costs due to the usage of alternative energy sources.
CZI added that the payment of electricity tariffs in US$ is making it more difficult to do business and promoting dollarisation, which has more disadvantages than advantages for the industry. However, there is hope for improvement in the situation in 2023, as Kariba water levels are expected to improve from April to November of that year due to improved rainfall patterns.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) expects Kariba Power Station to feed 775MW by mid-April to May 2023, up from the current 350MW.
Hwange Unit 7 was added to the national grid in March 2023 and Hwange 8 is expected to be complete by June 2023. The two power stations are expected to add 600MW to the grid, which would see power cuts declining by May 2023.
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Paying Electricity Tariffs In US$ Will Worsen Things - Industry

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)</a> has said Bulawayo waterworks are exempted from load-shedding.
This came after the Local Government Ministry met council officials as well as officials from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) to get an appreciation of the water challenges in Bulawayo.
During the meeting, ZETDC, a subsidiary of ZESA, reportedly undertook to ensure that the city’s water pumping and treatment works are exempted from load shedding.
Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, ZETDC acting western region general manager Engineer Lloyd Jaji, confirmed that the power utility would work on exempting the city’s pumping and treatment works from load shedding. Eng Jaji told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/no-more-power-cuts-at-water-works-load-shedding-reprieve-for-zitf-period/">The Sunday News</a>:
<blockquote>
If the situation allows, we will surely be exempting their pumping and treatment works from load shedding so as to allow smooth pumping and increase in water supplies from the city. Yes, for now they have dedicated lines to their stations, where the Esigodini line is carrying them but if we get adequate supplies from our power sources, we will be exempting their stations totally from any load shedding.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo Mayor Clr <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Solomon_Mguni">Solomon Mguni</a> also reiterated that ZESA assured the local government authority that the city’s waterworks would be exempted from load-shedding. He is cited as saying:
<blockquote>
It was a closed-door meeting with lots of assurances, basically, the issue of exemption of the treatment works to power cuts by ZETDC and rehabilitation of boreholes at Rochester and Epping Forest by ZINWA and other water projects that may require Government funding came up for discussion.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, is facing one of its worst water crises in recent years, which has seen the council adopting a 72-hour water-shedding schedule to conserve available supplies until the next rainy season. However, the local authority has had to constantly suspend the 72-hour shedding schedule replacing it with a provisional water supply restoration schedule, attributing that to erratic power supplies at water stations.
BCC claimed they were only receiving 8-10 hours of power supply a day, resulting in a drop from the early March 2023 system input volume.
While exemption of power cuts at the city’s waterworks is likely to reduce the crisis, the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project is seen as the answer to solve perennial water challenges in Bulawayo. The project is expected to be completed this year, with the construction of Lake Gwayi-Shangani and the Shangani Bulawayo pipeline close to completion.
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Waterworks Exempted From Load-shedding - ZESA

ZESA Holdings subsidiary, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), says it is generating 951 megawatts (MW) of electricity against a national peak demand of 2 200MW.
The power shortage has resulted in the country experiencing electricity blackouts of up to 18 hours per day in some areas.
Despite the successful synchronisation of Hwange Unit 7 into the national grid, ZETDC call centre supervisor Milton Zata said they were still facing challenges. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009437/zesa-only-generating-951mw">NewsDay</a> quotes Zata as saying:
<blockquote>
Unfortunately, we have national grid challenges, resulting in these long outages.
</blockquote>
This comes amid reports that traditional power suppliers – South Africa and Mozambique – recently stopped exporting electricity to Zimbabwe due to arrears.
The blackouts are seriously affecting businesses and industries countrywide.
With Hwange Unit 7 appearing to struggle to feed the envisaged 300MW into the national grid following its upgrade, the power crisis is set to persist as Hwange’s Unit 8 is only expected to go live in October with another 300MW.
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Power_Company">Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC),</a> a ZESA subsidiary, announced Tuesday that the southern African nation was generating 951 MW of electricity at three power stations as shown below:
<blockquote>
Munyati ……………………………………. 16MW
Bulawayo ……………………………………. 0MW
Harare ………………………………………..  0MW
Kariba …………………………………………. 350MW
Hwange ……………………………………… 585MW
</blockquote>
<div>
<blockquote>
<div>TOTAL …………………………………………. 951MW </div>
</blockquote>
<div>Zimbabwe is experiencing a power crisis due to a lack of investment and outdated equipment. This has resulted in frequent power outages and reduced production in industries, leading to job losses and decreased revenue. Small businesses, hospitals, schools, and water treatment plants have also been affected. </div>
<div>The power crisis has also led to an increase in illegal electricity connections and theft, which is dangerous and contributes to revenue losses.</div>
<div> Resolving the crisis will require significant investment and policy changes in the power sector. </div>
<div>There are several alternative sources of electricity that households and businesses can use in addition to traditional electricity. These include solar power, biogas, mini-grids, wind power, hydropower, and generator sets. </div>
<div>These sources can provide more sustainable and affordable energy, especially in areas where electricity is limited. </div>
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</div>

ZESA Generating 951 MW Of Electricity Against Demand Of 2 200MW

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)</a> has announced that the country’s power outages could ease from March 20 when Unit 7 at the coal-fired Hwange power station will be added to the national grid.
 ZESA spokesman, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/George_Manyaya">George Manyaya</a>, said Hwange Unit 7 is set to begin a “synchronization process” on Monday during which it will feed power to the national grid. Testing could last up to six weeks.
Unit 8, which is also close to completion and is expected to deliver another 300 MW, is set to come on stream in April. <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zesa-sees-power-crisis-easing-from-march-20-as-hwange-unit-7-fires-up/">ZimLive</a> cites George Manyaya as saying:
<blockquote>
A lot of technical work has been done to ensure we deliver a robust system. Commissioning is a delicate procedure and has to be done diligently.
We’re pleased that we have conformed to the standards. We’re also satisfied that based on tests that have been taking place since December 2022, the Hwange 7 and 8 units have been well-designed and built to world standards. 
There have been challenges in the electricity supply owing to technical challenges at our power stations and Zimbabwe’s capacity to pay for imports. The Hwange expansion project will close the demand and supply gap.
</blockquote>
On Friday, 17 March 2023, Zimbabwe was generating 315 MW at Hwange, 241 MW at Kariba and 11 MW at the coal-powered Harare Power Station for a total of 567 MW before imports and power from independent producers.
The new unit of the Hwange power plant will lift Zimbabwe’s installed capacity to 2 400 MW, although the country continues to generate far less.
The government says the country’s peak electricity demand is 1,700 MW.
Zimbabweans are currently enduring power cuts lasting up to 18 hours due to restricted generation at Kariba hydropower station, constant breakdowns of Hwange’s ageing generators and ZESA’s inability to pay for electricity imports.
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Zimbabwe Power Outages To Ease From 20 March - ZESA

Energy and Power Development Minister, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Soda_Zhemu">Zhemu Soda</a> has said <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">ZESA Holdings</a> is in the process of procuring a lot of vehicles.
He made the remarks in Parliament on Wednesday while responding to Members of Parliament who had raised concern over reports that ZESA technicians were requesting fuel and even transport from clients to attend to faults.
Parliamentarians on Wednesday asked Soda if it was now part of the ZESA’s operation procedures to ask clients to donate goods and services as they execute their duties. Minister Soda said:
<blockquote>
What I know for now is that ZESA is procuring a lot of vehicles and they have since placed an order with Isuzu although it is taking longer for the vehicles to be delivered. The vehicles are coming in small batches yet people want service and they are calling for service in numbers.
</blockquote>
He said it was not Government’s policy that clients donate services to ZESA technicians to use for repairs or any work related to electricity.
Minister Soda said farmers, however, offer vehicles and even fuel for ZESA technicians to fast-track attendance to their faults. 
He said ZESA now demands that members of the public who offer services write an affidavit confirming that they have provided technicians with either transport or fuel.
The minister added that there are cases where ZESA technicians are given resources by members of the public to attend to faults but still approach the power utility claiming they would have used their own resources. 
In urban areas, consumers also volunteer to buy power cables and transformers to fast-track connectivity and the utility company reimburses them with electricity units.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZESA Is Procuring A Lot Of Vehicles - Energy Minister

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Power_Company">Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC)</a>, a subsidiary of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)</a> has issued an update on power generation in the country noting an increase in electricity generated at various power plants nationwide.
In a power generation update seen by Pindula News, ZPC said Zimbabwe is producing a total of 727 megawatts as of February 6, 2023, up from about 300 megawatts that were being produced last week. Reads the update issued on Monday:
<blockquote>
Site  ……………………………. Quantity Produced
Munyati: …………………………………… 0MW
Bulawayo: ………………………………… 0MW
Harare: …………………………………….. 0MW
Kariba: …………………………………….. 332MW
Hwange: …………………………………….. 395MW
TOTAL: …………………………………….. 727MW
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been facing a power crisis for several years now, characterized by frequent power cuts and load shedding. 
The southern African country’s power crisis is attributed to drought, old infrastructure, lack of investment, and debt. 
In an endeavour to address the problem, the government has tried several measures including investing in renewable energy and rehabilitating existing infrastructure, but there are still significant challenges to overcome.
 In its report for 2022 fourth quarter (Q4), ZPC stated that a total of 1,719GWh was produced, falling short of its quarterly goal of 2,490GWh  by 30.96%.  
The power generation utility missed its 9,111GWh annual energy set-out target for 2022 by 7.29%.
Zimbabwe relies on hydropower from Kariba South Power Station since its aged units at the Hwange Power Station are failing to generate to maximum capacity. 
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ZPC Issues Update On Power Generation

Two Harare men were on Wednesday sentenced to 10 years in jail for stealing Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) copper cables.
They were part of a four-member gang which included a 16-year-old, The Standard reported.
There was a separation of trial after Richard Dzinzi and Reward Sibanda pleaded guilty to the charge leading to their conviction and sentence. Reads the state outline:
<blockquote>
The following accused persons were arrested for possession of 25 cut pieces of 3 core armoured cable in Westgate area; Sibanda (53) of 93 Engineering Highfields, Richard Dzinzi (35) of Turnleaf Farm Westgate, Amos Dzinzi (16) of Turnleaf Farm and Tafadzwa Phiri (27) of 497 Nehanda Ext RRB 5409688 Marlborough.
</blockquote>
Phiri and Amos Dzinzi pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody until Tuesday for routine remand. 
The accused persons had no legal representation.
In October last year, the government gazetted the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zimbabwe-independent-complaints-commission-act-copper-control-amendment-act-gazetted/">Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission Act and the Copper Control Amendment Act [Chapter 10:34] (No. 5 of 2022)</a>, which introduced new, more severe penalties.
Organisations such as ZESA, TelOne, Econet, Telecel, NetOne, and the National Railways of Zimbabwe tell tales of loss of business due to the effects of copper cable theft that has been spreading uncontrolled.
Households too are affected as they are left to spend days without power and are sometimes asked to pull resources together for the purchase of copper cables.
It is suspected most of the stolen cables are being smuggled to South Africa and they are then shipped further to countries that use the metal in the construction and manufacturing industries.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Copper Cable Thieves Sentenced To 10 Years In Jail

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) have advised members of the public to be alert as there could be fallen electricity poles or cables in their areas. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the two companies urged members of the public to report such incidents to avoid loss of life. Reads the statement:
Do not touch low-hanging or fallen electricity poles or cables even if they appear harmless. They are usually live and you may be electrocuted. 
Usabate mapango kana tambo dze magetsi dzakarembera kana ku donha, nyangwe dzi chiita kunge dzisina moto. Tambo idzi dzine njodzi dzino gona kukuuraya. 
Liyaxwayiswa ukuthi lingabambi intambo zamagetsi ezilengayo loba zingabonakala angani azilamandla kagetsi. Intambo lezi ziyingozi njalo kungenzeka ubanjwe ngamagetsi akubulale ungazithinta.
Do not try to go near or underneath these low-hanging cables as the high voltage may cause an arc to flash and cause serious harm or even death. 
Usayambuka kana kuyedza kuyenda nepasi kana kuyenda padyo petambo dzemagetsi dziri kurembera nekuti moto wemagetsi unogona kusvetuka uchikuvadza kana ku kuuraya. 
Ungalingi usondele eduze kumbe uqume ngaphansi kwentambo lezi ngoba zivame ukuba lamandla kagesti aphezulu kakhulu okungenza ubanjwe ngamagetsi loba ungazithintanga.
Change your route whenever you encounter low-hanging cables or fallen poles. 
Chinja nzira yako pazvinobvira pese paunoona tambo ne mapango emagetsi akawira pasi. 
Tshintsha indlela nxa uthe wahlangana lentambo kumbe amaphowulu amagetsi awileyo.
Never attempt to move the cables using a tree branch whether dry or wet or any object as you will be electrocuted.
Musaedza kusimudza tambo dzakawira pasi muchishandisa zvitanda, izvi zvine njodzi yerufu. 
Lingazami ukususa intambo zamagetsi eziwele phansi lisebenzisa ingatsha zezihlahla, akukhathalekile ukuthi ngezomileyo kumbe ngezimanzi ngoba liyabe lizibeka engozini yoku banjwa ngamagetsi.
Alert the nearest Police Station or call ZESA Contact Centre on 0242-704040 or any of ZETDC offices near you or your local councilor/village head immediately of any fallen electricity poles and low-hanging electricity cables and save a life. 
Zivisa nekukurumidza kamba yemapurisa iri pedyo kana hofisi yeZETDC/ZESA kana kuchaya nhare pa 0242-704040 kana kuzivisa Sabhuku/Councillor wemunzvimbo menyu. 
Yazisa ngokuphangisa amapholisa aseduze lawe kumbe uKhansila loba uSabhuku wakuleyondawo loba utshayele abeZETDC/ZESA ucingo ku 0242-704040 ngamaphowulu awileyo kanye lentambo ezilengayo kumbe eziwileyo ezamagetsi.
This message is brought to you by ZETDC and ZERA 
Isixwayiso lesi lisethulelwa yi ZETDC IeZERA 
Mashoko aya anounzwa kwamuri neZETDC yakabatana ne ZERA
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ZETDC, ZERA: What To Do When You See Fallen Electricity Poles, Cables

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), has announced that it will be replacing postpaid metres with prepaid meters in some parts of Harare.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, ZETDC said the affected areas are:
Kuwadzana, Dzivarasekwa, Crowborough, Mufakose, Snake Park and the surrounding areas. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>NOTICE ON PREPAID METER INSTALLATION EXERCISE</h2>
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) would like to advise its valued customers in Harare Region, Kuwadzana Depot, that there will be an exercise of retrofitting all postpaid meters with prepaid meters as of the 7th of January 2023. It is against this background that ZETDC is appealing to clients to allow our staff access to your premises and meter boxes during the exercise.
Areas Covered:
Kuwadzana, Dzivarasekwa, Crowborough, Mufakose, Snake Park and the surrounding areas.
Identification of Staff Our teams will be in their ZETDC-branded work suits and in possession of ZETDC official ID cards.
Operating Times 0800hours-1700hours 
Stakeholder Relations (06/01/2023)
For more information contact us on:
Email: contactcentre@zetdc.co.zw 
Twitter: @ZetdcOfficial 
Facebook: ZetdcOfficial 
WhatsApp: +263715519387 / +263715519389 
Call Us on: 704/ 08688003485 / 08688003486
</blockquote>
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ZESA Deploys Officers To Replace Post Paid Meters With Prepaid Meters

ZESA Holdings, the local power utility, has said customers won’t experience another aggressive load-shedding as experienced in recent weeks saying there has been increased electricity supply in the country lately.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, the authority said it has increased the generation of power at Hwange Power Station. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>UPDATE ON THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SITUATION DECEMBER 2022</h2>
ZESA Holdings is pleased to advise its valued Stakeholders of the increased electricity supply in the country, which has resulted in reduced load curtailment across all our customer segments. This development follows weeks of depressed generation attributed to the dropping water levels at Lake Kariba which necessitated the directive to reduce power generation at Kariba South Power Station by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA). Moreover, the incessant breakdown of the aged Hwange Power Station equipment saw the station operating with two units during the period. The current power generation challenges affecting the region affected electricity trading on the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) market further reducing import arrangements in the face of exponential demand for power in the country. In the past weeks, we have been extensively engaging with various Stakeholders so as to implement critical measures to alleviate the power deficit challenges. The power deficit is not unique to Zimbabwe but the entire SADC region and interventions proffered by ZESA Management inter alia:
• Our Engineers and Technicians have been working frantically to ensure increased power generation. Consequently, we have increased generation at the Hwange Power Station by getting the broken down Units back up, resulting in Five (5) of the Six (6) being currently operational which has increased supply to the national grid. This will help ease the demand supply gap during the festive break as we also anticipate reduced demand from the business sector during the period.
• Unit 8 is progressing well and is planned to be commissioned during the first quarter of next year.
• We are delighted by the recent announcement by Government to support a good number of Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects, mostly Solar which have been awaiting a Guarantee Structure. The Ministry of Energy and Power Development and ZESA will procure this capacity to the extent to not only balance supply and demand, but also to export surplus capacity, as well as to conserve water in Lake Kariba which will be used both as a balancing plant for Renewables as well as Energy Banking for IPPs via Conjunctive Dispatch. The general shortage of power in the region will inevitably translate to increased costs of Electricity. However, the combination of the Kariba Complex with Solar, mini-hydro and Wind Power whose costs are on a reduction trajectory will ensure competitive pricing to our consumers.
• Zimbabwe has a clear roadmap to transition its power generation to support a green economy to include the Batoka project which will be a joint venture between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Discussions between the countries are now being speeded up whilst development financiers are still being sought. 
• The company is also advancing projects to utilize the available hydro capacity provided by the 10 gorges. Development of a massive hydro potential on the Kafue and Zambezi basins and operation of the power plants on a collaborative conjunctive basis is also being considered as one of the most viable strategy for the region. This project is anticipated to produce megawatts and enable us to export power. 
• We have secured funding for the Hwange Power Station life extension and repowering of small thermal power stations. 
Whilst we anticipate all these plans will help the supply side, customers are being encouraged to use the available power sparingly and engage in Demand Side Management (DSM) initiatives to ease pressure on the grid. 
• We have successfully managed to secure the injection of additional imports from other SAPP members to support supply until the Kariba reservoir recovers in the first quarter of next year. We would like to express our profound gratitude for the support and commitment we got from the Government to mobilize the much needed foreign currency.
• The Utility intensely facilitated the establishment of an Intensive Energy User Group (IEUG) with the objective to guarantee supplies to maximum demand customers and ease pressure on the grid. These customers will import power directly, as well as support the development of IPPs in the country by signing PPAs directly with them. The first meeting was held on 29 March 2022 and there have been engagement meetings in Zambia and Mozambique. We are now pushing that we move faster on this initiative as it is in line with global developments where the private sector is involved more and more in developing and securing power supplies. As a sign of progression and commitment, during the current crisis some of the members of this group offered to resource the Utility with advance payments of their electricity usage bills to enable as to meet our power import obligations, and to date one such transaction has already been implemented.
As a lasting solution and going forward:
• The Hwange 7 &amp; 8 which is set to bring an additional 600MW to the national grid was scheduled to be completed by January 2022, However, the effects of Covid -19 derailed the completion.Our valued stakeholders are advised that Hwange 7 &amp; 8 commissioning preparations are well on course. To date, it is pleasing to see that the technical tests are progressing well and the Utility expects the first additional 300 Megawatts from Unit 7 soon. Every indication is that it has been built well. We are treading cautiously on the technical aspects so that we energize robust machinery hence the need to follow all comprehensive commissioning tests. It is against this background that on this last mile, the ZESA leadership and respective staff are resident at the Hwange Power Station for the duration of the festive period being cognizant of the importance, expectations and urgency that this matter presents.
Accordingly, ZESA would like to assure its valued customers that they will not experience the aggressive load curtailment they have been experiencing in the past few weeks during the festive period. The utility is conversant of the need to guarantee supply to the nation, and thus we not only have measures to mitigate the emergency but also have opportunities to increase capacity and to improve service delivery.
We would like to sincerely apologize to all our valued stakeholders for the inconveniences caused during this period.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BRIGHTER NEW YEAR!!!
Stakeholder Relations (23/12/2022)
</blockquote>
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ZESA Assures Customers They Won't Experience Another Aggressive Load-Shedding

South African National Defence Force members will be deployed at some Eskom power stations following several incidents of theft and sabotage at various power stations.
The presidency made this request to the defence ministry, <a href="https://www.enca.com/news/sandf-be-deployed-some-eskom-power-stations">eNCA News</a> reported citing Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
The country has now been plunged into stage six power cuts.
Copper theft is not a phenomenon peculiar to South Africa as state companies and market players in Zimbabwe say the problem has surged in recent years.
It affects the electricity, telecommunications and transport sectors, and each year Zimbabwe’s parastatals spend millions of dollars replacing stolen cables and restoring vandalised infrastructure due to cable theft.
Organisations such as ZESA, TelOne, Econet, Telecel, NetOne, and the National Railways of Zimbabwe tell tales of loss of business due to the effects of copper cable theft that has been spreading uncontrolled.
Households too are affected as they are left to spend days without power and are sometimes asked to pull resources together for the purchase of copper cables.
It is suspected most of the stolen cables are being smuggled to South Africa and they are then shipped further to countries that use the metal in the construction and manufacturing industries.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa: Soldiers To Be Deployed At Some Eskom Power Stations

Villagers in Chiadzwa’s Mukwada area have called upon the government to assist them “as soon as possible” amid reports that “all nurses have left” a local hospital over the unavailability of electricity.
Bocha Diamond Community Trust chairman Moses Mukwada said 11 villages in the Mukwada ward were affected by the closure of the clinic. He is quoted by <a href="http://www.thestandard.co.zw/standard-people/article/10679/nurses-abandon-clinic">the Standard</a> as saying:
<blockquote>
There has not been electricity for the past two months and all nurses have left the clinic. There is no single nurse except for only one or two caregivers.
</blockquote>
Mukwada said the clinic serviced at least 11 villages as well as the surrounding Mutsago and Chipindirwe areas.
Headman Mukwada also echoed Moses’ sentiments adding:
<blockquote>
We have pregnant women in our area and they need to be assisted as soon as possible, so we are calling upon the government to assist us as soon as possible.
</blockquote>
The cause of the unavailability of electricity at the health institution is not yet known.
Meanwhile, there is a huge power crisis nationwide and the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) is implementing a 22-hour-long load-shedding.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Villagers Call For Assistance As "All Nurses Have Left" A Local Clinic

Energy minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Soda_Zhemu">Zhemu Soda</a> has said Zambia has allowed Zimbabwe to use its water in Kariba Dam to generate electricity at the Kariba South Hydropower Plant.
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) allocates 45 billion cubic metres of water to both Zimbabwe and Zambia for power generation at Kariba.
The authority said water levels have now declined beyond usable levels hence the need for Zimbabwe to cut generation at Kariba by half from about 600 megawatts (MW) while Zambia was ordered to reduce to a maximum of 800 MW.
The country relied more on Kariba hydro-energy for electricity during the winter cropping season, thereby exhausting its water allocation, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004957/winter-wheat-gobbled-our-electricity-govt">NewsDay</a> reported citing the minister.
Speaking during the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/energy-minister-launches-renewable-energy-fund/">official launch</a> of a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) Fund and Stakeholder Engagement function in Harare, on Monday, Soda said:
<blockquote>
Because of what we were experiencing at Hwange Power Station, the faults that are currently obtaining at the boilers — we had to depend on Kariba Dam more than the Zambians did; especially during winter when we wanted to produce adequate wheat. It was a strategy and it worked because we will not import wheat because of the bumper harvest.
The cost has been on excessive use of water which was supposed to be spared. We are very aware that we overused our water and by last week, Zimbabwe had overused the water by around 5% of its allocation. We are actually using Zambian water to generate electricity for ourselves. There was a high-level meeting between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and Zambia allowed us to use its water to generate 300 megawatts.
</blockquote>
The Energy minister said traditional source markets for power imports had been affected by climate change.
Soda said the government was encouraging power-generating institutions and households to be on the national grid.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zambia Allows Zimbabwe To Use Its Water To Generate Electricity - Energy Minister

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said authorities will take extraordinary measures to ensure that Zimbabwe does not face severe power shortages in 2023.
His remarks come as the southern African nation is facing a huge power deficit that has seen most parts of the country going for at least 18 hours daily without power.
Writing in his column for <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/power-shortages-will-end-in-2023-enough-electricity-for-christmas-secured">The Sunday Mail</a>, the President said Government is intensifying efforts to boost power generation through a raft of measures. He said:
<blockquote>
Extraordinary measures are needed and will be taken in the coming year. With the US$310 million, we now have to refurbish and replace old Generators 1 to 6 at Hwange, coupled with the coming on stream of Generators 7 and 8, early next year, we should see an appreciable improvement in power supply early in the coming year.
We must now plan for our power generation and supply as if Kariba is discounted from our energy supply matrix, so we have at least 2 000 megawatts from non-hydro power sources. That way, we weather-proof our energy sector and with it, our whole Economy. I have already instructed Government to remove all and any entry barriers to new investments in the energy sector.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa said the “rapid growth and expansion in both mining and industry, coupled with new investment projects across sectors, has increased demand for power,” thereby creating “a clear mismatch between power generation and supply on the one hand, and power demand and distribution on the other.”
He also said Kariba’s power generation capacity had drastically fallen from its installed capacity of 1 100 megawatts to a mere 100 megawatts. 
The president also said Zimbabwe’s capacity for thermal power had also fallen due to the aged six generators developed soon after Independence.
Government critics say the ruling ZANU PF government failed to adequately invest in the energy sector.
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President Mnangagwa: "We Should See An Improvement In Power Supply Early 2023"

Minister of Energy and Power Development Zhemu Soda (MP) launched the Renewable Energy Fund this Monday. 
The Fund is expected to unlock over USD 30 Million from the Zimbabwean financial markets, and regional and international development focus entities, the bulk of which would otherwise not typically be directed towards RE fina
This year, the United Nations SDG-Fund approved Zimbabwe’s USD 45 Million programme on catalysing investments in Renewable Energy (RE) for the acceleration of the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country. 
The UN SDG-Fund is contributing USD 10 Million to the programme whilst the Government of Zimbabwe through the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) and local partners including Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIG), Zimnat Asset Management and CABS is contributing a total of USD 35 Million.
The 4-year programme aims to leverage private investments in order to support Renewable Energy-based projects for the achievement of the SDGs in Zimbabwe. 
During the launch, Soda was asked to state the major sources of power in Zimbabwe to which he responded by saying Kariba and Hwange. 
He said Hwange’s capacity is 920 Megawatts but is generating an average of 400 MW because it’s now 40 years without major rehabilitation.
The minister added that the government has taken a decision to rehabilitate the Hwange power station with around US$310m and various services have started at Hwange for rehabilitation on all the 6 power generation units that are currently making up for the Hwange Station. He added:
<blockquote>
The idea was to take out 2 units at a time when unit 7 starts feeding into the grid. This will kickstart after the coming in of units 7 and 8, where units 1 to 6 are rehabilitated.
</blockquote>
He said the rehabilitation of Kariba Dam which started in 2017 is still on course and is expected to end in 2025. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s on 61% completion. The Spillway rehabilitation is at 50%. It started in 2019. This rehabilitation has nothing to do with the current shortage of power.
</blockquote>
The minister also said Zimbabwe has a capacity of generating 1500 megawatts at Kariba but all depends on the availability of water. Soda added:
<blockquote>
Because of Hwange power station breakdowns, we had to depend and rely on Kariba more than what Zambia did particularly in Winter.
We are aware we have over-used our water, we are now using water for Zambia to generate electricity after negotiations at a higher level to allow Zimbabwe to continue generating between 250 and 300 megawatts. There is absolutely nothing bad about Zimbabwe or Zambia.
Munyati has a capacity of 90MW, Byo 100 MW and Harare around 200MW. But they have been producing less. We are on Bulawayo station to produce around 90 to 100MW and funding has been secured for that.
</blockquote>
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Energy Minister Launches Renewable Energy Fund

Former <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)</a> chief executive officer, Engineer <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Josh_Chifamba">Joshua Chifamba</a> has blamed unfavourable tariffs for sinking the nation into the current electricity crisis.
He speaks when Zimbabwe is experiencing a huge power deficit that has seen both households and industry enduring 18 or more hours-long power cuts which authorities have attributed to declining water levels at Kariba Dam. <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/former-zesa-ceo-blames-low-tariffs-delayed-sacrifices-for-current-electricity-problems/">NewsZimbabwe.com</a> cites him as saying:
<blockquote>
Kariba would thus change its operating regime &amp; the wholesale price of electricity would be reduced, as imported peaking power was coming in at USc45/kWh, against a retail tariff of USc9/kWh.
This change was never supposed to be a threat to water in Kariba that it has become.
Thus, Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited, with the same capacity as ZESA at Kariba; but unlike ZESA having leverage to operate according to the new operating regime; after having built new power stations; has kept within its water allocation. It’s that simple!
So, the addition of generators at Kariba is not, in and of itself, the cause of the water problem at Kariba.
Issues in the sector have been left unresolved for far too long! The main Achilles heel have been sub economic tariffs and a challenging economic environment.
</blockquote>
Chifamba said outside peak time, output at Kariba was supposed to reduce, to allow for increased output at peak.
Economists have since warned that should the electricity crisis continue unresolved, efforts made to revive the ailing economy will soon be reversed due to erratic productivity.
The government has however made some interventions which include revamping ZESA’s institutional sustainability and tabling plans for further expansion of the power generation capacity among others.
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Former ZESA CEO Speaks On The Causes Of The Electricity Crisis

Self-exiled former cabinet minister, Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jonathan_Moyo">Jonathan Moyo</a>, has said power crises could leave Zimbabwe and South Africa as failed states if authorities fail to come up with immediate and long-term solutions.
The two neighbouring countries are facing acute power shortages mainly due to their ageing power generators’ inability to produce to their maximum capacity.
In a series of Twitter posts seen by Pindula News, Moyo said a state failing to generate and supply adequate power is a failed state. He said:
<blockquote>
The power (electricity) dilemma has become the most critical question of our time, certainly in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Failure to deal with this question, with CONCRETE immediate, intermediate, and long-term SOLUTIONS, will leave Zimbabwe and South Africa as failed states!
#Updated Failed State (definition): A state, nation or country that is not able to generate or supply adequate, continuous and AFFORDABLE electricity on demand; to meet the needs or requirements of its industries, economy and society!
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe, whose power crisis is over a decade-old, is currently producing about 500 megawatts (MW) of power against a daily peak demand of 2 200 MW.
It imports some electricity from neighbouring Mozambique, Zambia and the troubled South Africa which is also implementing load-shedding to manage the crisis.
Zimbabwe and South Africa are also competing to get power from Mozambique and Zambia.
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"Power Crises Will Leave Zimbabwe And South Africa As Failed States!" - Jonathan Moyo

Some Zimbabweans have said having electricity at night, for a few hours, is the same as not having electricity since there is not much they can use the power.
Most parts of the country get power at night as ZESA, the local power utility, is trying to manage a power crisis.
One Harare resident told BBC that the situation needs to be resolved before it degenerates into a “disaster.” He was quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
There is no schedule – yesterday we got it at 10 past 10 but it is passed that time now. Electricity is very essential in our business… From what the government officials are saying we hope this [situation] should turn around soon. If it doesn’t it will be a disaster.
</blockquote>
A 43-year-old Wella Chidziva from Mbare said load-shedding was giving citizens a hard time. She told BBC:
<blockquote>
We now give each other chances to cook, one over there and another there. It’s the same as not having electricity because when it comes around [midnight] the children are sleeping. Now we are in [the Christmas period] I don’t know what we are going to do.
</blockquote>
Some businesses have started working at night while ordinary Zimbabweans are also being forced to change their schedules, to wake up at midnight to iron their clothes, use electric appliances and catch up on the World Cup matches.
Zimbabwe has used about US$2 billion dollars (£1.6bn) for power generation in the last decade but the country still struggles with outages.
The crisis escalated at the end of November when the Zambezi River Authority <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/severe-load-shedding-looms-as-zra-tells-zesa-to-shut-down-kariba-power-station/">ordered Zimbabwe’s Kariba South power station to shut down</a> due to dangerously low water levels.
Experts say the country’s coal-powered thermal plants are supposed to supply the baseload power, but the aged generators frequently break down forcing authorities to draw heavily on Kariba.
The country is currently producing about 500 megawatts (MW) of power against a daily peak demand of 2 200 MW.
Energy expert Victor Utedzi who founded the solar farm Centragrid, 30km (19 miles) northwest of the capital, says there is no easy and quick solution to power problems.
He said Zimbabwe needs big projects such as the Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station to dent the problems the southern African nation is facing. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"It's The Same As Not Having Electricity" - Zimbabweans Speak On Load-shedding

Zimbabwe has over the past three years experienced the worst power crisis in years as generation continues to fluctuate around 500MW.
The southern African country has one hydropower plant and four coal-fired generators that have a total combined capacity of 2 240 megawatts (MW). 
An update by the Zimbabwe Power Company on 05 December 2022 suggests that Zimbabwe generated a total of 501MW on that day. Pindula News presents the breakdown below:
<blockquote>
Munyati (Thermal Power Station): 0MW
Bulawayo: 0MW
Harare: 0MW
Kariba: 200MW
Hwange 301MW
Total: 501MW
</blockquote>
On 06 December 2022, Zimbabwe generated a total of 494MW.
<h2>On 07 December 2022 Zimbabwe generated a combined 515MW.</h2>
<blockquote>
Munyati (Thermal Power Station): 0MW
Bulawayo: 20MW
Harare: 0MW
Kariba: 200MW
Hwange 295MW
Total: 515MW
</blockquote>
<h2>On 08 December 2022, Zimbabwe generated a combined 506MW.</h2>
<blockquote>
Munyati (Thermal Power Station): 0MW
Bulawayo: 10MW
Harare: 0MW
Kariba: 200MW
Hwange 296MW
Total: 506MW
</blockquote>
<h2>On 09 December 2022, Zimbabwe generated a combined 438MW</h2>
<blockquote>
Munyati (Thermal Power Station): 0MW
Bulawayo: 20MW
Harare: 0MW
Kariba: 200MW
Hwange 218MW
Total: 438MW
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has a peak demand of 2 200 MW.

ZESA, the local power utility, is <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zesa-fails-to-pay-coal-suppliers/">failing to pay coal producers on time</a> and they are now “heavily incapacitated” and 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.
<h2>Power Outlook:</h2>
Hwange Unit 7 is expected to come online in the next few weeks, according to official timelines, but concerns have been raised over the adequate availability of coal. Contracts to supply coal for Unit 7 were awarded only to Turbo mine, linked to businessman Billy Rautenbach and Hwange Colliery Company Ltd.
Unit 8 is also being developed in parallel and is expected that it will be commissioned during the first quarter of 2023.
An additional coal plant at Hwange is said to be going through maintenance and should be running soon, thus adding an additional 15 MW to the national grid.
Authorities also say efforts are underway to ramp up production for the small thermals in Bulawayo, Harare and Munyati to push them to 45MW. 
There are separate solar projects at Blanket Mine, Caledonia, Gwanda (which was contracted to Wicknell Chivayo) and another in Guruve.
Net metering which allows Zesa customers with their own power generation, usually solar, to both sell and buy power is also said to be an option being considered. 
Medium and long term: Government says it intends to bring in the competitive procurement of 500MW of solar whose feasibility study has since been completed and an announcement will be made during the first quarter of 2023.
Zimbabwe imports a combined total of 540 MW.
The plans stated so far will still leave Zimbabwe with a power deficit.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Power Generation Fluctuates 05 - 10 December 2022

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Energy_Regulatory_Authority">Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA)</a> has penalised some service stations for mixing fuel with water.
ZERA also charged and withdrew licences from some petroleum dealers, NewsDay reported citing the regulator’s 2021 annual report.
The authority said it conducted nationwide fuel quality monitoring activities in 2021 covering 592 sites from which 860 fuel samples were collected and tested, with 12 failing to meet standards. ZERA said: 
<blockquote>
Four blend samples and 8 diesel samples failed to meet specifications resulting in the prosecution of the retail sites in the year. The offending sites paid fines ranging from $20 000 to $200 000 and one of the retail sites had their licence cancelled.
The authority received complaints from motorists concerning suspected fuel quality from 10 service stations. Investigations confirmed that one customer had received water-contaminated blend from a retail site, which has since been prosecuted.
Three of the complaints were received out of time for Zera to take relevant samples for testing. Zera is stepping up consumer awareness of the authority’s quality testing services and is emphasizing the need for consumers to make prompt reports to enable timeous sampling of fuel batches in the investigations.
</blockquote>
Twelve retail sites were caught with fuel contaminated with water compared to three cases in 2020.
Of the 12 cases recorded in 2021, seven retail sites had low flash point diesel while three retail sites had low-density petrol and two sites had water contamination.
On the electricity side, Zera said distribution code compliance audits conducted in the year under review found that power utility <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">ZESA</a> was unable to connect customers within 21 business days largely due to a lack of operational vehicles.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

ZERA Penalises Some Service Stations For Mixing Fuel With Water

Zimbabwe’s permanent secretary of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana has said the government is working to resolve the power crisis which he said is “causing distress to the citizenry and business.”
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)</a> rolled out a crippling load-shedding schedule last week after being directed by the Zambezi River Authority <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/severe-load-shedding-looms-as-zra-tells-zesa-to-shut-down-kariba-power-station/">to reduce power generation</a> at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kariba_South_Power_Station">Kariba South Hydropower Station</a> to allow the water body to refill.
In some parts of the country, load-shedding goes for 22 hours while it is effective, uninterrupted, from 5 am to 11 pm in some parts of Harare, the capital. In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, Mangwana thanked the citizenry for its patience. He said:
<blockquote>
The power cuts are causing distress, inconvenience and cost to the citizenry and business. This is regrettable. The challenge is affecting part of our region. Govt is seized with implementing immediate mitigatory measures to bring normalcy. We thank you for your patience.
</blockquote>
His remarks are in resonance with those of President Emmerson Mnangagwa who wrote in his weekly column in The Sunday Mail that the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/the-power-crisis-makes-us-unattractive-to-investments-president-mnangagwa/">power cuts were making Zimbabwe unattractive to potential investors</a>.
Businesses say they have resorted to using generators and solar systems, an alternative that is expensive and is likely to trigger a sharp rise in the prices of commodities.
Zimbabwe’s imports of 540MW from neighbouring countries are not enough to cover the power deficit.
An update by the Zimbabwe Power Company on 6 December 2022 (today) suggests that Zimbabwe is generating a total of 494MW. In total, Zimbabwe has 1034 MW against a peak demand of 2 200 MW.
ZESA heavily relies on the Kariba Hydropower Station as the ageing <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hwange_Power_Station">Hwange Thermal Power Station</a> is always breaking down.
There have been efforts to refurbish the Hwange plant and introduce new ones but there are no dividends to pick from the initiatives, yet.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Power Cuts Are Causing Distress To The Citizenry And Business," - Mangwana

Energy and Power Development minister Zhemu Soda Sunday said the decline in the quantity of power generated at Kariba is as a result of natural causes, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004481/no-funding-for-power-imports-minister">NewsDay</a> reported. 
His remarks come after the Zimbabwe Power Company, a subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), was directed by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) to scale down operations at Kariba South Hydropower Station to allow water to refill at Kariba Dam.
ZPC stated on 5 December 2022 (today) that only 200MW were being generated at the plant.
The situation means Zimbabwe will likely have prolonged power cuts. Commenting on the situation while addressing journalists in Harare, Soda said:
<blockquote>
The government is making an intervention. This is a crisis situation and we hope through that intervention, funding will be available to apply for the additional capacity which we are looking forward to getting from our neighbours.
The ministry urges all consumers to reduce load by employing energy conservation and efficiency measures. Lights must be switched off in all offices at night and other measures like rightsizing of equipment, use of energy savers.
Over and above the above measures, government is pursuing a medium to long-term plan to meet the power needs of the country. The government is supporting the acceleration of implementation of renewable energy projects by independent power producers.
Government has identified some solar sites where it will fast-track implementation and pre-feasibility studies have already been done. It must be noted that the situation at Kariba is mainly due to natural causes and the ministry is doing all in its power to avert the situation.
The Zimbabwean government has turned to neighbouring countries seeking to increase imports from the region and replace 300MW lost through restrictions at Kariba.
</blockquote>
Currently, Zimbabwe is importing a combined 250 megawatts (MW) from South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique.
Additional negotiations are ongoing, with 150MW expected from Mozambique, Soda said.
Zhemu made the remarks after hopes to import more power from Zambia were dampened with the neighbouring country introducing a six-hour daily load-shedding regime starting on December 15.
Zimbabwe had hoped to plug the supply gap with additional power imports from Zambia. 
However, the latest developments mean continued power imports from Zambia is no longer guaranteed.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

The Situation At Kariba Is Mainly Due To Natural Causes - Energy Minister

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