Zimbabwe 'bans new water heaters' amid electricity crisis

Zimbabwe is banning the installation of new electric water heaters in an attempt to save power, Reuters news agency reports energy regulators as saying.

The country's electricity supplier will no longer be allowed to connect power to premises without solar water heaters, an official gazette reportedly says.

The country has had prolonged blackouts with some businesses changing to working night shifts, when electricity is available.

Many reasons have been given for the power shortage. Zesa, the state power firm, says big customers have not paid their bills. Meanwhile, a recent severe drought has reduced water levels in Zimbabwe's biggest hydro-plant.

Read more about the electricity crisis: Zimbabwe descends into darkness