We all know that ZESA adjusted their tariffs at the end of the last month-September. What you may not know is that ZESA increased their tariffs again starting 6 October. We were tipped off about this increase by one of our beloved readers who noticed that they were getting fewer units than our esteemed calculator had predicted. A quick investigation revealed he was right. Fortunately, a kind soul was able to obtain the latest rates for us and now we have updated our calculator and ZESA tariffs page. What’s shocking is that ZESA still wants another hike even after this.
| Consumption Bands | Price per Unit in ZWL$ | Est Price including 6% REA (ZWL$) | Price in per Unit in USD (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 50 Units | $17.21 | $18.24 | US$0.02 |
| 51-100 | $34.50 | $36.57 | US$0.05 |
| 101-200 | $60.44 | $64.07 | US$0.08 |
| 201-300 | $86.29 | $91.47 | US$0.12 |
| 301-400 | $96.34 | $102.12 | US$0.13 |
| 401 and above | $103.49 | $109.70 | US$0.14 |
NB: You can always view the most current ZESA tariffs by clicking the button above no matter when you are reading this article.
ZESA is still seeking another tariff hike
The above tariff is already beyond the reach of many people so you would think ZESA would be content with this. You would be wrong, ZESA is still seeking another tariff increase despite all this. ZESA charges an average of US$0.090 per unit but they want that tariff to be raised to around US$0.1221 per unit. While businesses have supported such increases in the past as they would mean fewer load-shedding hours this time they roundly rejected the proposed tariff hike.
Industry does not have capacity to pay such a tariff.
As you know we have predominantly participated in the forex auction system to access forex hence an US$0.12 tariff is very difficult for the members.
ZESA has to ensure the power is back to enable the productive sector to get back on its foot.
Kurai Matsheza CZI president
Domestic customers are already struggling to pay whatever ZESA is asking. While the government has been happy to allow ZESA to adjust their tariffs in line with weekly movements in the exchange rate they have not been as happy to award employees pay hikes or to allow schools and other institutions to adjust their fees. The latest survey shows that the bulk of Zimbabweans earn less than US$50 per month.
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