Zimbabweans should brace themselves to more load shedding

ZESA Holdings has attributed the temporary reprieve in rampant electricity load shedding in various parts of the country to low demand of power as most industries are on annual shut down.

Zesa spokesperson, Mr Fullard Gwasira added that five of the six units at Hwange Power Station (HPS) have been operating consistently resulting in uninterrupted power supplies in most parts of the country. HPS consists of four units of 120 megawatts (MW) each and two units of 220 MW each.

"Electricity supply is generally determined by how much generation capacity is there at HPS. The machinery at that plant is now old and has been breaking down a lot but for the past two weeks reliability has been high. In essence we can say production at HPS is good at the moment," said Mr Gwasira.

He also said another contributing factor to uninterrupted power supplies was a result of synonymous low demand during the festive season as most heavy consuming factories would be closed for holidays.

"When power is used responsibly and people save, load shedding also goes down. Demand has fallen because most companies are closed hence the low demand coupled with improved service supply contributed to consumers having power," Mr Gwasira said.

Bulawayo Residents Association, chairman Mr Winos Dube said residents welcomed the temporal load shedding relief as it played a part in captivating the celebratory mood during the festive season.

He however, said it was unfortunate that the power utility company was proposing to increase its tariffs at a time when people are struggling to survive under the harsh economic bedeviling the country.

"People are already stressed and increasing the cost of electricity is not a good thing at all. However, we would like to commend Zesa for the uninterrupted power supply and we hope they find a lasting solution to electricity problems," said Mr Dube.

However, consumers should brace themselves to more load shedding this week going forward as manufacturers resume operations for the year. In October last year, Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge said power output from Kariba Hydro Power Station, which dropped from 750MW in August to current levels of 475MW, would plunge further to a meagre 280MW.

According to the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), water levels at Kariba Dam have sharply declined on a year-on-year basis amid fears of a looming drought in the region.

"The Kariba Lake was created and designed to operate between levels 475, 50 metres and 488, 50m, with 0,70m freeboard at all times. The Lake levels continued declining during the week under review, and closed at 477,95m on 7th December 2015, which is still lower than the level that was recorded last year (481,79m) on the same date. All spillway gates at Kariba remained closed during the week under review," read part of the statement by ZRA.

Government says supplies would begin to ease in 2017 if on-going power plant expansion projects funded by China are completed on time. China committed to invest nearly $4 billion in the country's energy sector. The country's existing power stations are currently generating less than 1 000 MW against peak demand of 2 200 MW.