Online Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has achieved a landmark success in Bulawayo, migrating 99 percent of customers in the city’s oldest suburbs from outdated load limiters and looped circuits to modern prepaid electricity meters. This development is not merely a technical upgrade — it is a leap forward in how electricity is managed, paid for, and consumed in Zimbabwe.
For decades, most suburbs in Bulawayo have been trapped in a legacy system that offered fixed electricity for a flat fee, often without accurate billing or consumption tracking. This system not only undermined Zesa’s financial sustainability but also left residents with little control over their energy use. The successful rollout of prepaid meters marks the end of that era and sets a new standard for utility reform.
From the utility’s perspective, the benefits are clear. Prepaid metering ensures that electricity is paid for before it is consumed, significantly improving cash flow and reducing the burden of debt from non-paying customers. The ability to forecast revenue more accurately allows ZETDC to plan better and invest in infrastructure upgrades. Moreover, the integration of debt recovery mechanisms — where outstanding balances are deducted from each token purchase — has already begun to reduce the overall customer debt.
For residents, the shift to prepaid meters is equally empowering. Households now have the ability to monitor their electricity usage in real time, budget accordingly, and avoid the shock of accumulated bills. The elimination of estimated billing, which has long been a source of frustration and dispute, restores fairness and transparency to the system. In essence, prepaid metering puts power — literally and figuratively — into the hands of the consumer.
The journey to this point was not without challenges. The project, which began in 2020, was suspended due to material shortages and only resumed in 2024. That it has now reached near-completion is proof of ZETDC’s commitment and resilience. It also reflects the importance of long-term planning and strategic investment in public utilities.
This initiative should serve as a blueprint for other regions still reliant on outdated metering technology. The success in Bulawayo’s western suburbs demonstrates that modernisation is achievable, even in areas with complex infrastructure legacies. It also highlights the need for continued investment in smart technologies, such as AI-driven leak detection systems, which can further reduce non-revenue water and electricity losses.
However, the transition must be inclusive. While prepaid systems offer many advantages, care must be taken to ensure that vulnerable households are not left behind. ZETDC must continue to engage with communities, provide education on how to use the new systems, and offer support where needed. The migration of large-scale businesses and remaining post-paid customers should be handled with equal transparency and efficiency.
Electricity remains a vital yet strained resource in our beautiful country, and as such, this development is a welcome step forward. It brings us closer to a more sustainable, customer-centred energy future — one where accountability, efficiency, and empowerment are at the heart of service delivery.
The success in Bulawayo is not just a technical achievement — it shows what is possible when innovation meets determination, and when public utilities prioritise both financial health and customer satisfaction. Let this be the beginning of a broader transformation across Zimbabwe’s energy landscape. The prepaid metering model must now be rolled out nationwide, ensuring that every household, regardless of location, benefits from the same level of transparency, control, and service reliability.
