HARARE - Only installation of smart meters could save consumers from being made to pay huge bills because of errors by ZESA in calculating power consumption by households, Energy Minister Elton Mangoma In a statement last week Mangoma said ZESAs billing system was archaic and has enabled corrupt officials to overcharge consumers who, as well, are often subjected to blackouts because the country is only generating between 1300MW and 1400MW against consumption requirements of 2000MW.
ZESA has failed to resolve the billing problems and consumers have lost faith in the billing system. The billing problems have given a golden opportunity to some corrupt ZESA employees to fleece the consumers, said Mangoma. He added: Smart meters will be introduced soon to deal once and for all with the billing problems. Consumers will be able to pay as they consume using the meters prepayment facility.
Mangoma added that the smart meters would also allow easier rationing of supplies to consumers and reduce unplanned power outages. The minister also said a proposed 30 percent tariff hike that ZESA put on hold under pressure from consumers will remain frozen until further notice.
ZESA has come up with a proposed tariff which I have put on hold whilst the necessary consultative processes are being carried out. The small thermals are expensive to run, hence the power they produce is also expensive. In the meantime, there are customers who have voluntarily enlisted to pay a high tariff in return for not being load-shedded. These are being supplied from the additional electricity being generated by these small thermals, said Mangoma.
Post published in: Economy