These are the new electricity tariffs

ZETDC has released reviewed prices of electricity. There has been outrage at the new tariffs that have been increased by over 300%. Much of the complaints on social media related to the continued power outages and in the same vein, an increase in tariffs. The power utility company has been under fire this year for alleged poor service and for failing to come up with a comprehensive solution to electricity woes in the country. These tariffs have been effective since November 14.

Consumption Bands Price (ZWL$) Est Price including 6% REA
First 50 units 1.63 1.7278
Next 50 units 3.27 3.4662
Next 100 units 5.73 6.0738
Next 100 units 8.17 8.6602
300 units and above 10.28 10.8968
Prices for first time purchases:50 units $86.30
100 units $259.70
200 units $ 866.02
300 units $1732.00

Below are the old tariffs and powerbands for comparison.Consumption Bands kWh Price (ZWL$) Estimated Price incl. 6% REA
1 – 50kWh 1.67 1.7702
51 – 200kWh 3.65 3.869
201 – 300kWh 9.92 10.5152
Above 300kWh 15.57 19.5042
The new ZESA tariffs and powerbands show that the upper and lower powerbands are a little bit cheaper at ZWL$1.63 (from ZWL$1.67) and ZWL$10.28 (from ZWL$15.57). But the bands in the middle are where the prices have increased.With the old prices you bought 51 – 200 units at a static ZWL$3.65, but now the next 50 units are priced at ZWL$3.27 while the next 100 units are at ZWL$ 5.37.All of those units were under one charge but are now separately charged at a more expensive price.

Electricity has become such an expensive resource in the country with most people now opting for alternative sources of power such as solar energy and the use of generators. The use of generators has however become less frequent due to the unaffordability of fuel which is now being charged in US dollars.

It however seems as if Zimbabwe is not the only country facing electricity issues as evidenced by the power crisis in neighbouring South Africa. People have lashed out at ZETDC for the tariff hikes. Most households no longer use electricity for cooking. It has become a resource for lighting only.