The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has expressed concern over ZESA’s ongoing electricity outages saying the power utility company is shortchanging consumers.
CCZ regional manager for Masvingo province, Ndumiso Mgutshini told Hevoi FM News that consumers are being forced to use other alternative sources of energy yet they would have paid for electricity under the pre-paid method.
“The ongoing electricity load shedding programme has adversely affected consumers in Masvingo as they are now failing to budget.Consumers are now being forced to use other alternative methods of energy such as firewood which exposes them to arrests from law enforcement agencies. The price of gas was recently increased putting the budgets of consumers out of reach,”said Mgutshini.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe regional boss, said their office is now full of complaints from consumers who are saying their electrical gadgets have been damaged due to the load shedding programme.
“A number of consumers are complaining that at times their electricity appliances have been damaged due to the electricity outages.We are calling for ZESA to put in place a clear timetable for the load shedding programme and find a long lasting solution to the problem.
ZESA, two days ago said it was embarking on a nationwide electricity load shedding which will last over eight hours on a daily basis.
‘The ZETDC (Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company) is experiencing a power shortfall due to generation constraints at Hwange Power Station, limited imports and a programme of dam wall rehabilitation at Kariba, which requires that two generators be taken out for 12 hours. The planned outrage of the two units then restricts Kariba Power Station output during these hours. The power shortfall is being managed through load shedding in order to balance the power supply available and the connected load”, read the statement from the power utility company
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