Zimbabwe restores power after nationwide grid collapse

Zimbabwe has restored electricity to most parts of the country following a nationwide power outage caused by the collapse of the national electricity grid, authorities have confirmed.

The blackout occurred at about 6:24 p.m. local time on Monday after a fault on the national transmission network, according to the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority.

In a statement released on Tuesday, ZESA said electricity was restored to most bulk supply points by 10:00 p.m. using power generated from four stations, including supplies from Eskom.

“We are pleased to advise that by 2200 hours, power had been successfully restored to most of our bulk supply points across the country,” the utility said.

Restoration efforts continue

ZESA said engineers were still working to reconnect parts of the capital, Harare, by restoring and synchronising generating units at the coal-fired Hwange Power Station, which supplies electricity to sections of the city.

The utility assured residents that restoration efforts were continuing to return the power system to full operation.

Persistent energy challenges

Zimbabwe has continued to experience recurring electricity shortages due to ageing infrastructure and limited power generation capacity.

The country’s energy supply has also been affected by reduced output from the Kariba Hydroelectric Power Station, one of its major electricity sources.

Power generation at the facility has been constrained by low water levels linked to poor rainfall and recurring drought, further worsening electricity shortages across the country.

The latest grid collapse highlights the ongoing challenges facing Zimbabwe’s power sector despite efforts to improve electricity generation and supply.