By Own Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has denied social media claims that it is set to increase electricity tariffs by 150percent starting this Friday.

A notice published by the power utility on Thursday reads:

SOCIAL MEDIA REPORTS ON TARIFF INCREASE FALSE

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) would like to advise its valued customers that it is not increasing electricity tariffs by 150% starting Friday, 15th March 2019 as is being reported on social media.

ZETDC would like to express its concern over the malicious social media messages that are urging customers to buy electricity in bulk in order to beat a purported 150% increase in the price of power.

The power utility urges consumers to disregard the misleading social media messages that are creating unnecessary panic buying and inconvenience to consumers.

Tariff increase is a process that is not haphazardly implemented but is done through a thorough consultative process in consultation with consumers, the regulator and shareholder, among other key stakeholders.

The inconvenience is sincerely regretted.