Leroy Dzenga Herald Reporter

Zesa Holdings will be managed from a centralised point for the duration of the 21-day lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Under normal circumstances, power management is divided into zones.

Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi told The Herald that the move would ensure power was directed where it was needed the most.

Minister Chasi said power supply management was a key part of the country’s Covid-19 response.

“Power supply is critical in the fight against Covid-19,” he said.

“Alongside other essential services, power supply will remain open to support the health sector and other critical industries and services.

“Power supply and demand balance will be maintained by the National Control Centre to ensure the integration of the national grid.”

Power generated by local players will temporarily be treated as a national resource.

Minister Chasi said all available local generation, including from independent power producers (IPPs) and power imports, will be dispatched to optimise power supply and minimise load shedding.

Increased power availability is aimed at providing power to thousands of people working from home during the lockdown period which started Monday.

Minister Chasi said key Zesa personnel will be on duty full-time to ensure the continuity of service in power generation, plant maintenance, national grid operation, 24-hour customer service, fault repairs and new connections.

Zesa spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira tweeted that there will be improved power supply during the lockdown period.

“Almost all areas have power, those without should contact our service centres for restoration,” said Mr Gwasira.