Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) chief executive officer Mr Eddington Mazambani has said local power utility, ZESA, is in the process of applying for a new tariff.
Mazambani made the remarks at a breakfast meeting organised Friday morning in Harare but did not reveal the exact tariff being sought by Zesa adding the power utility will confirm soon.
Power consumers including industrialists and members of the public have already expressed concern over the plan to introduce a new tariff which comes when the economy is slowly reopening following a prolonged COVID-19-induced lockdown.
Many companies’ revenues decreased due to low production and that had a trickle-down effect on employees who are also ZESA consumers.
Recently, the Ministry of Local Government approved a rates hike proposal by local authorities attracting the wrath of the residents who said the hike was ill-timed.
Another parastatal, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) had to shelve plans to increase tariffs following a public outcry.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Zesa urgently requires a tariff review given that it is presently “incapacitated”.
Zera board chair Dr David Madzikanda told journalists during the same event in the capital that Zesa does not have vehicles and required personnel as it cannot afford to pay decent salaries to competent staff due to a low tariff.
More: Pindula News; The Herald
