Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube , Victoria Falls Reporter
ZESA is owed about $2 billion in unpaid electricity tariffs by the industrial customers, a situation that is compromising service delivery by the power utility and also contributing to tariff hikes.
This came out during a panel discussion at the 2021 Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) annual congress in Victoria Falls.
It emerged the power utility is owed a cumulative $1,9 billion by the industry in the private sector.
Participants at the conference called for discipline and a culture of paying up dues by the industry for the country’s economy to grow.
The issue also stirred suggestions for Zesa to charge electricity in foreign currency so that it remains afloat.
Participants, including Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda implored Zimbabwean industries to learn from neighbouring countries especially Zambia that had enacted deliberate policies to mitigate electricity challenges.
These include liberalising the power sector and allow Independent Power Producers (IPPs) space in the sector to provide alternative energy sources into the grid.
“We hear Zesa is owed $1,7 billion and this should get us thinking whether we should pay for electricity in foreign currency,” said Dr Mudenda during a question and answer session.
This followed panel discussions managing disruptive change in industry post Covid-19 and reviewing the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe forex auction market in Zimbabwe.
“What has been happening is that instead of Zesa collecting its dues and those who owe paying up, Zesa has been increasing tariffs making it difficult for business. If electricity is expensive, that stifles your business and there is less viability.
“Zambia raised a policy issue, let’s learn from that. Zambia has increased IPPs and in such instances the price of electricity goes down,” said Adv Mudenda.
Speaking earlier, Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Mr Chabuka Kawesha had said the northern neighbour had opened up space for IPPs to increase production.
“We have seen a lot of new potential off takers and the new government is very responsive and wants the country to have surplus electricity and be able to work with any partner,” said Mr Kawesha.
ZNCC deputy president Mr Mike Kamungeremu said: “Indeed we are guilty and my appeal to all members and those outside ZNCC is let’s pay, so that Zesa is able to supply electricity. Let’s also encourage small IPPs to contribute, they can generate and feed the grid and get credit.”
Mr Kamungeremu urged industry players to approach Zesa and make payment plans so that there is guarantee for sustainable power supply. — @ncubeleon
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