ZESA Increases Blackouts Citing Technical Fault At Hwange Thermal Power Station

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has increased blackouts since Tuesday citing a technical fault at a thermal power station in Hwange.

The power utility’s subsidiary said power cuts will be increased until July 1.

The Hwange Thermal Power Station is the country’s biggest power plant with an installed capacity of 920 megawatts but suffers frequent breakdowns because of ageing equipment. It is undergoing an expansion to add 600 megawatts.

Though Zimbabwe has an installed capacity of 2 100 megawatts it generates an average of 1 200 megawatts and meets shortfalls through imports.

Currently, imports are limited due to the shortage of foreign currency, and debts to regional suppliers.

Power cuts have the effect of worsening the economic crisis as the country is already struggling to deal with other issues including inflation and fuel crisis.

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