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Zim can 'beat energy crisis'
22/02/2008 09:50 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Zimbabwe could save up to 300 megawatts of power daily if consumers become more responsible and switched off lights when not needed as well as other gadgets, the state-controlled Herald has reported.
Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company managing director Ernest Muchayi said that "consumers must develop a culture of saving electricity, particularly in times of critical shortages the country faces currently".
On the flip side, Zesa Holdings must concentrate efforts in strategising plans that minimise on-going power cuts through additional investments into new power generating projects, or expansion of existing infrastructure.
"If we do not look to the future we will be left alone so we need to strengthen the central corridor and work together for constant availability of power," Muchayi was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
Severe power crisis
He said: "Commerce works well when there is predictability", and this could be done if the nation could enhance security of supply through diverse fuel supplies such as bio-fuel, and consumer-centred energy conserving strategies.
"Zimbabwe, and indeed the whole of SADC, is in the middle of a severe power crisis. On two occasions already this year, the entire nation was completely switched off," the Herald said.
Currently, several parts of the country took turns to gain power while some had gone for many days without electricity.
Analysts noted that while other regional economies had embarked on dedicated campaigns educating consumers on the importance of conserving power, Zesa had done very little on this, the Herald said.
Zesa had instead centred campaigns on higher tariffs, which Energy Minister, Mike Nyambuya had said were not the major determinant on current power shortages, but lack of investment into the energy sector.
- SAPA
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