Zimbabwe electricity tariffs to increase by 31 percent

Zimbabwe's electricity regulator (Zesa) has ordered a 31 percent tariff increase, in a move it said was meant to ensure the state-owned power utility's profitability, the authority said on Thursday.

The increase would see the average tariff going up to 9.3 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), from the current 7.5 cents, with effect from the 1st of September, the Zimbabwe Electricity Regulatory Commission said in a statement.

The increase comes at a time when Zesa warned the public to brace for extended load-shedding periods following the recent collapse of three units at Hwange Power Station (HPS).

The country is currently subjected to 15 hours per day of critical periods of load-shedding emanating from power outages at HPS.

Some residents now say Zesa stands for Zimbabwe Electricity Sometimes Available instead of Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company, a subsidiary of Zesa, recently revealed Zimbabwe would continue to have serious load-shedding and power outages until 2014, as the power utility was struggling to raise $125 million needed to repair the outdated HPS generators.

It also stated that $8 billion was needed for the country to restore optimum power production levels.

Government has been battling to improve the power generation capacity in the country while Zesa has said it is owed over $500 million by consumers countrywide in unpaid electricity charges.

But, Zimbabweans from all walks of life have castigated Zesa for what they term unrealistic charges and erratic power supplies.