Zesa embarks on a massive power disconnection exercise

ZESA Holdings (Zesa) has embarked on a massive power disconnection exercise following a sharp increase in the number of consumers defaulting in the payment of bills over the last three months.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Zesa Holdings spokesperson, Mr Fullard Gwasira said the power utility was being owed $792 million by both commercial and domestic consumers.

Mr Gwasira said they have since issued a notice in the Press notifying consumers about Zesa Holdings' subsidiary, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) s move in line with its credit control measures.

"ZETDC has noted with serious concern that over the last three months, there has been a significant slackening in the manner some of the customers have been paying their bills.

"This has resulted in a scenario where the money owed to ZETDC has continued to rise, constraining the capacity of the company to pay for such critical obligations such as electricity imports, coal, spares to repair faults and statutory obligations among others," read the statement

Mr Gwasira urged consumers to settle their bills to avoid disconnections.

"We wish to advise all our valued customers with outstanding electricity bills to pay immediately to avoid the inconvenience of withdrawal of supplies," he said.

Mr Gwasira said given the present scenario, Zesa Holdings was likely to increase load shedding.

"This position is threatening the prevailing favourable power supply situation and if not corrected, will lead to a deterioration of the reliability of supply, which in turn will base a negative impact on economic recovery. The supply situation will get worse in winter due to increase in electricity demand for space heating."

The country is battling with power shortages with Zesa generating 1 000 megawatts (MW) against a demandof2 200MW.

Several consumers have over the years continued to question Zesa Holdings they accused of inflating bills, which are based on estimate. The power utility in response has rolled out pre-paid meter project but it seems it is facing challenges because not much ground has been covered.