ZETDC advises that delays, which were experienced by customers were due to high volumes of token purchases arising from high demand of power at month-ends. In addition, the current consumer perception that power is cheaper at the beginning of the month is leading to increased transaction volumes at the beginning of the month. ZETDC is pleased to announce that interim measures have been implemented and there has been significant improvement in the performance of the prepaid system, with most customers now being able to purchase electricity tokens normally. In response to the high month-end demand for prepaid tokens by customers, the power utility is in the process of upgrading the Electricity Token Vending system to ensure that it operates efficiently.
ZETDC advises customers that the lifeline tariff is enjoyed once a month when they make the first token purchase of units ANY DAY during any calendar month, therefore it is not true that electricity is cheaper when purchases are done within the first five days of the month.
ZETDC would like to assure its valued customers that it is implementing a raft of measures to improve customer experience.
Stepped Domestic Prepayment Tariffs
ZETDC introduced the domestic stepped tariff in August 2019 to encourage consumers to use electricity efficiently and to make power affordable to low consumption households. The stepped tariff has different prices for various consumption bands. Higher consumption attracts a higher tariff and customers are thus advised to buy electricity that is sufficient to their monthly needs.
The tariff are as follows:
Domestic Prepayment Tariff Consumption Band Price (c/kWh) (i) 0 - 50 kWh $24.50 (@0.49c/kWh) (ii) 51 to 200 kWh $162.00 (@1.0&/kWh) (iii) From 201 kWh (@ $4.61/ kWh)
The tariffs above exclude 6% Rural Electrification Levy
In every calendar month, customers are allocated 50 units at a lifeline tariff rate of $0.49 costing $26, including levies. These units of electricity are adequate to power a two plate stove and five lights for a calendar month for a single household. The next 150 kWh (51 to 200 kWh) in the same calendar month being charged at $1.08 cost $172 including levies. The first 200kWh, therefore, cost $198, including levies. The 200kWh are enough for the majority of most domestic households. Any additional purchase in excess of 200 kWh within the same calendar month is charged at a rate of $4.61/kWh.
In order to assist customers, prepayment vouchers indicate how the units purchased are charged and the bands to which they belong, in compliance with the provisions as set by the Regulator.
