Zimbabwe Faces Looming Energy Crisis as Power Deficit Worsens

Zimbabwe could be heading towards a severe energy crisis that threatens its economic stability if immediate measures are not taken to address persistent power shortages, a recent parliamentary report has warned.

The report, presented by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development, highlights the dire state of the country’s electricity supply. It points to major operational challenges faced by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), which have resulted in critically low power generation levels.

Although Zimbabwe’s installed power generation capacity stands at 2,570 megawatts (MW), current production is only 1,079 MW, leaving a significant shortfall of 1,560 MW. To compensate for the deficit, authorities have had to rely on electricity imports from neighboring countries.

The committee cautioned that if urgent medium- and long-term strategies are not implemented, the situation could worsen.

“While the transmission and distribution infrastructure remains functional, ZESA management indicated that power supply remains inadequate to meet national demand,” the report noted.

The committee further observed that none of Zimbabwe’s power plants are operating at full capacity, exacerbating the crisis.

“If no immediate solutions are put in place to boost generation, the country will continue struggling with power shortages for an extended period,” the report added.

According to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), the challenges stem from outdated power infrastructure, climate change effects, and rampant theft and vandalism of power lines and substations.

As a result, many households are enduring prolonged blackouts, with some areas experiencing more than 12 hours of load-shedding daily.

Speaking in Parliament, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Ropafadzo Makumire highlighted the devastating impact of the power crisis on essential sectors, particularly healthcare.

“In the health sector, vital equipment like ventilators requires electricity. In district hospitals without dedicated power lines, surgeries cannot proceed, putting lives at risk. Patients requiring urgent medical attention are forced to travel long distances to Harare,” Makumire said.

He also raised concerns about mortuaries, warning that inconsistent power supply could lead to decomposition of bodies, making facilities inaccessible.

“This issue needs urgent attention to prevent further suffering,” he urged.