Zimbabwe’s largest hydropower plant Kariba will suspend electricity output in 14 weeks if water levels at the dam continue to fall at current rates, the energy minister said.
Fortune Chasi said in Harare that the current power cuts of between 5:00 and 10:00 am and between 5:00 and 10:00 pm. would continue.
The Kariba Dam Hydroelectric Power Station generates about 750 MW
Chasi said rolling power cuts lasting up to 10 hours could not be avoided as the southern African nation was only producing 1,100 MW daily compared to demand of 1,500 MW.
Zimbabwe on May 13 introduced electricity power cuts for several hours a day, as low water levels at its hydropower station and ageing equipment deepened the country’s economic struggles.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company said the durations may be longer in the event of an increased power shortfall, to avoid the collapse of the national grid.
The power producer blamed the electricity deficit on low water levels at the Kariba hydropower station, generation constraints due to ageing equipment at the Hwange (thermal) Power Station, and limited imports.
Zimbabwe’s economy has been in decline for over a decade.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over from long-time ruler Robert Mugabe, has pledged to revive growth and attract foreign investment following years of international isolation.
