The Zimbabwean government is looking to import power from its neighbouring countries within the South African Development Community (SADC) region in 2016 to supplement local production, ESI Africa reported.

Energy and Power Development minister Samuel Undenge said the country was negotiating with other power utilities from the region and independent power producers (IPPs) to access emergency power and the supplies would come on line next year.

The country recently experienced a cessation of power imports from various countries including, Eskom (South Africa), Zesco of Zambia and EDM (Mozambique) due to non-payment.

“There is a possibility of importing emergency power from the region. Discussions are underway for possible imports to resume in early 2016. However, it should be noted that emergency power is not cheap. It comes at a premium,” Energy and Power Development minister Samuel Undenge said according to AllAfrica.