Govt Cracks Down on Delinquent Electricity Users: ...

Govt Cracks Down on Delinquent Electricity Users: ‘Pay Up or Get Switched Off’

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

The Zimbabwean government is taking a tough stance against companies with outstanding electricity bills, authorising State-owned Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company to disconnect all post-paid clients with unpaid balances. This move specifically targets mining companies and large corporations accused of neglecting their electricity bills.

Responding to concerns about the impact on mining operations, Ziyambi Ziyambi, leader of government business in Parliament, dismissed any sympathy for delinquent businesses. “Businesspeople must pay for the electricity they use,” he declared, urging them to stop acting like “cry babies”.

“They are the ones we expect to start paying instead of domestic users,” Ziyambi emphasised.

“They mine gold and sell it, forgetting that they are supposed to pay for energy.”

He clarified that ZETDC disconnections aim to initiate debt negotiations, not permanently halt operations.

“Zesa switches them off so that they may negotiate and come up with a debt plan,” he explained.

“The Hon. Member should direct the management to come up with a plan and negotiate on how they will pay electricity. We wish them to work, but they must pay for what they use.”

This firm stance by the government reflects the significant financial strain unpaid electricity bills place on ZETDC. The company reportedly claims over US$1 billion in outstanding debts, hindering its ability to effectively deliver and maintain its services.

Against this background, ZETDC on Friday notified companies with outstanding electricity bills that it will be disconnecting them from the grid.

“The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company would like to advise its valued clients countrywide that the utility is currently undertaking disconnections for all post-paid clients with outstanding balances. Clients are therefore requested to settle their bills in full to avoid the inconvenience of being disconnected.

“Disconnected clients are further advised that they will be required to settle their bills in full, pay a security deposit equivalent to two (2) months average bill, as well as the reconnection fees as stipulated in the Electricity Act. Supplies will only be reconnected once all the required amounts have been paid in full.

“ZETDC would like to thank its valued clients for their cooperation during this exercise as the company endeavours to offer the much desired service that its clients deserve,” the company said.