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99% of Zesa customers on pre-paid meters
2 hrs ago |
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Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has reached a major milestone in its efforts to modernise billing and improve revenue collection, with 99% of customers now on pre-paid meters and 65% upgraded to smart meters. The move is expected to bolster debt recovery and pave the way for implementing a cost-reflective tariff for the sector.
Acting ZESA CEO, Engineer Cletus Nyachowe, said the transition from post-paid to pre-paid and smart metering systems is helping to address the mounting debt that had previously threatened the utility's operational stability. "At times, you would actually have our tariff coming down to as low as 2 to 3 US cents per kilowatt hour when you are buying at 9 cents and above. That built a heap of debt," he explained.
The adoption of pre-paid meters ensures that customers pay for electricity before consumption, removing the risk of non-payment. Smart meters further enhance accountability through real-time monitoring, remote disconnection, and tamper-detection capabilities. Eng Nyachowe highlighted that prior to December 2023, most large customers were post-paid, making revenue collection a major challenge.
"Today, 99 percent of ZESA's customers use pre-paid meters, and 65 percent are on smart meters. This has allowed the utility to enforce a cost-reflective tariff, meaning customers pay the true cost of the electricity they consume," he said.
The CEO called for stronger enforcement against meter tampering, urging lawmakers to ensure offenders face the full force of the law. Smart meters provide instant alerts when tampering occurs, and ZESA is seeking to increase the existing 10-year jail term for such offenses.
The utility's shift to pre-paid and smart metering has not only improved cash flow but also empowers consumers to manage electricity usage more efficiently. Eng Nyachowe noted that the ultimate goal is to have all customers on pre-paid or smart meters, ensuring a sustainable, financially viable, and transparent energy sector in Zimbabwe.
Acting ZESA CEO, Engineer Cletus Nyachowe, said the transition from post-paid to pre-paid and smart metering systems is helping to address the mounting debt that had previously threatened the utility's operational stability. "At times, you would actually have our tariff coming down to as low as 2 to 3 US cents per kilowatt hour when you are buying at 9 cents and above. That built a heap of debt," he explained.
The adoption of pre-paid meters ensures that customers pay for electricity before consumption, removing the risk of non-payment. Smart meters further enhance accountability through real-time monitoring, remote disconnection, and tamper-detection capabilities. Eng Nyachowe highlighted that prior to December 2023, most large customers were post-paid, making revenue collection a major challenge.
"Today, 99 percent of ZESA's customers use pre-paid meters, and 65 percent are on smart meters. This has allowed the utility to enforce a cost-reflective tariff, meaning customers pay the true cost of the electricity they consume," he said.
The CEO called for stronger enforcement against meter tampering, urging lawmakers to ensure offenders face the full force of the law. Smart meters provide instant alerts when tampering occurs, and ZESA is seeking to increase the existing 10-year jail term for such offenses.
The utility's shift to pre-paid and smart metering has not only improved cash flow but also empowers consumers to manage electricity usage more efficiently. Eng Nyachowe noted that the ultimate goal is to have all customers on pre-paid or smart meters, ensuring a sustainable, financially viable, and transparent energy sector in Zimbabwe.
Source - The Herald
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