By Bothwell Chabarika
ZESA Private Limited has announced a planned maintenance shutdown of Hwange Power Station’s Units 7 and 8, beginning on 15 November 2026, as part of efforts to improve plant performance and strengthen the reliability of electricity generation.
In a stakeholder notice issued on 12 November 2026, ZESA said Unit 7 was expected to return to service on 4 January 2027, while Unit 8 was scheduled to resume operations on 26 January 2027.
“The maintenance programme forms part of the utility’s routine asset management strategy aimed at sustaining plant performance, improving operational reliability and ensuring the continued availability of generating units for the national grid,” ZESA said.
The planned shutdown is expected to temporarily reduce the country’s electricity generation capacity, prompting the utility to put in place measures to minimise potential disruptions to power supplies.
ZESA said it would increase electricity generation at Kariba Power Station during peak periods, while continuing to manage water levels at the dam responsibly.
The utility also indicated that it would rely on regional electricity imports through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) to supplement local generation.
“Securing additional capacity from new Independent Power Producers through signed power purchase agreements” is also among the measures being pursued to cushion the impact of the maintenance programme, the utility said.
ZESA further said renewable energy would contribute to the national electricity supply through solar power plants being connected to the grid, alongside support from embedded generation.
The utility expressed confidence that the mitigation measures, coupled with typically lower electricity demand during this period of the year, would help maintain relatively stable power supplies.
“These measures will be supported by the typically lower electricity demand during this period of the year,” ZESA said.
Customers have been encouraged to use electricity efficiently throughout the maintenance period and report supply interruptions to the National Contact Centre on 704.
ZESA said it remained committed to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity to consumers, adding that the maintenance exercise was essential for strengthening the long-term reliability of the national power system.
“We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our customers and stakeholders as we undertake this essential maintenance programme,” the utility said.