Vendors to sell prepaid Zesa cards

allow users to buy coupons from street vendors and selected outlets.

The system begins today, but Zesa has to first register the vendors and outlets before consumers can access the coupons.The power utility closed its prepaid meter selling points between Saturday and yesterday for upgrades.

The new system, which is similar to the one used in South Africa, is expected to relieve pressure at Zesa offices where consumer queues were now common.

Zesa Holdings spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira yesterday said the new system would increase efficiency by allowing consumers to buy coupons from vendors and businesses like pharmacies, garages and banks.

He said those willing to partner Zesa were free to approach the power utility.
“The development is meant to usher a new era of operational efficiency by eliminating queues that had been caused by the overloading of the old system,” said Mr Gwasira.

“The power utility is always carrying out an audit of its systems to ensure that customer satisfaction is achieved in line with service delivery and the new vending system is one such strategy that will bring immense benefits to our valued consumers.”

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Mr Gwasira said Zesa would continue installing prepaid meters to phase out the old metering system.
“ZETDC is on target and will meet the deadline of the installation of the new prepaid meter vending system.”

Zesa introduced prepaid meters as part of efforts to boost revenue collection.
Under the prepaid meter system, Zesa directs 20 percent of every purchase of electricity to offset the individual’s debt accumulated under the old meter system.

So far, the power utility has installed over 100 000 prepaid meters countrywide out of a target of 600 000.
Though a recent Government gazette authorised the sale of the prepaid meters in a move that was expected to ease pressure on the debt-ridden power utility, Mr Gwasira said the company was still installing the meters for free.

“ZETDC is not selling prepaid meters, but is installing them for free at customer premises countrywide.
“However, there are processes that are being put in place to allow all persons who consume electricity to purchase smart meters for a certain category of customers.”