Zimbabwe Plunged Back into Darkness: ZESA Explains Increased Loadshedding After SADC Summit

Zimbabwe Plunged Back into Darkness: ZESA Explains Increased Loadshedding After SADC Summit

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has explained why there has been an increase in loadshedding following the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) summit recently held in Harare.

Loadshedding had eased across much of Zimbabwe just before and during the 44th SADC Summit on August 17, 2024. However, soon after the summit concluded, ZESA resumed its 18-hour loadshedding schedule, causing frustration among residents.

Also read: ‘Magetsi4SADC’: Outrage as Zimbabwe Government Demands Uninterrupted Power for SADC Venues Amid Nationwide Loadshedding

ZESA Reveals Cause of Increased Loadshedding After SADC summit

ZESA has now disclosed the reason for the return and worsening of loadshedding. In a recent power update, ZESA revealed that a fault at Unit 8 of the Hwange Thermal Power Station, which has a capacity of 300 megawatts, has significantly reduced the plant’s output.

The Hwange power plant’s output has dropped to just 635 megawatts, down from over 1,000 megawatts. Due to this reduction, ZESA has been forced to increase load shedding to balance the electricity supply and demand. ZESA apologized for the inconvenience caused and said its technical teams are working to resolve the fault at Hwange Unit 8.

Also read: ZESA Unveils New Billing System: Units Now Priced in US Dollars Instead of Local Currency

Update on Power Supply Situation

Here is ZESA’s full update on the power supply situation:

“Update on Power Supply Situation

ZESA Holdings would like to inform its valued customers that the national power grid is currently experiencing reduced electricity generation capacity due to a technical challenge that occurred at the Hwange Thermal Power Station’s Unit 8.

As a result of this generation shortfall, the utility has had to implement increased load shedding schedules across the country in order to balance electricity supply and demand.

Our technical teams are frantically working on resolving the fault so as to minimize the impact on customers.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during this period.”

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