Consumers ask Zesa to write off debts

consumers to be put on the new pre-paid meter system before the contested bills were cleared.
But they commended the power utility for introducing the pre-paid meters that would empower consumers to determine the amount of electricity they use.
The stakeholders urged Zesa to scrap all interest imposed on overdue accounts.

The pre-paid meters replace the conventional billing system that had posed challenges to the power utility and the consumers.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Mr Kumbirai Katsande said the move would boost the power utility’s revenue.
“Now, everyone would be forced to pay and there is no escaping. It’s a good idea that will deal with the billing system that had collapsed as well as boost Zesa’s funding,” he said.

In introducing the smart meters, Zesa said it had stopped disconnections, while those disconnected for non-payment of electricity bills would be connected without paying a down payment or reconnection fee.
Harare Residents Trust director Mr Precious Shumba said the prepaid meters would see consumers getting value for their money.

“This will solve Zesa’s poor debt management system that had proved to be costly,” he said.
Mr Shumba said debts accumulated between 2009 and 2010 should be scrapped as they were largely based on estimates.
“We should not be hoodwinked. If they are sincere on the introduction of pre-paid meters, they should ensure that consumers with unrealistic debts should have them either re-worked to reflect actual electricity consumption or totally scrapped, than burden consumers with settling unreasonably high and estimated bills,” he said.

Zesa will deduct 20 percent on the amount paid for electricity on pre-paid meters for the consumers to settle their debts.
Bulawayo United Residents Association chairman Mr Winos Dube said Zesa would now be able to recoup millions of dollars owed by residents. Consumers owe Zesa about US$600 million.

Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association co-ordinator Mr Anoziva Muguti said residents would now consume electricity in line with what they afford.
“We have been crying for the pre-paid meters for a long period and we are happy we now have them. Zesa should speed up the process to ensure that everyone has the meter,” he said.

“They should now focus on increasing their power generation capacity.”
“It’s a brilliant idea and will solve all the complaints by the people,” he said.
All the 600 000 registered consumers are expected to have the new meters within the next 10 months.

Zesa’s billing system is based on estimates, a situation that has seen consumers refusing to settle some of the bills.
The poor debt-management system has also seen Zesa struggling to settle its foreign debts.