Eskom relaxes Zesa power imports terms

South African power utility Eskom has relaxed its position regarding earlier demands for Zesa Holding to pay for power imports in advance.

The power utility imports 50 megawatts from its South African counterpart during peak periods of demand up to 300MW during off peak periods.

This is because demand for power outstrips supply in Zimbabwe owing to limited generation with most power plants having lived beyond their lifespan.

It is understood Eskom, although it sometimes faces severe supply deficits, exports power to Zimbabwe to get hard currency at a time the rand is weak.