ZESA Holdings yesterday said it is implementing prolonged
load shedding following a technical fault at Hwange Power Station.
The power utility said it was moving to Stage 2 load
shedding that has previously seen customers going for up to 18 hours per day without
electricity.
Before the latest technical fault at Hwange Power Station,
power generated locally and imports from South Africa and Mozambique saw
customers enjoying longer hours with power. In a statement yesterday, the power utility said increased
load shedding would persist until the fault is rectified.
“Zesa Holdings would like to advise its valued customers
countrywide that there was a technical fault at Hwange Power Station this
afternoon Monday 11 November 2019, resulting in an increase in load shedding
outside the publicised schedule.
“Load shedding is now being implemented at Stage 2 until
the fault at Hwange has been rectified,” reads the statement.
According to Zesa, Stage 1 load shedding happens to the
first group of customers as listed on its schedule and these are switched off
as the power shortfall will be within planned limits.
In the event that the power shortfall increases beyond the
planned limits, load shedding will move to Stage 2.
Zesa said while it is importing electricity to augment
national supplies, power would remain constrained.
“While all efforts are being made to improve the power
supply availability through imports, the supply situation remains fragile.
“Customers are advised to use the available power very
sparingly and will be updated as the situation improves. The inconvenience
caused is sincerely regretted,” it said.
The Hwange Power Station has outlived its lifespan
resulting in it having consistent breakdowns.
The country’s power shortage is worsened by subdued
electricity generation at the Kariba Hydro Power Station due to poor rains in
the 2018/19 rainy season.
The Government is importing power from South Africa and
Mozambique to address the suppressed electricity generation.
The Government has also poured resources for the
rehabilitation of Hwange unit 7 and 8 as it strives to improve the country’s
electricity generation which is key in its bid to attain an upper middle income
status by 2030. Chronicle
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