Contributing factors include an underdeveloped transmission and distribution network, lack of funding and bureaucracy constraints.
The average Mozambican domestic consumer cannot afford the electricity tariffs, although they are heavily subsidized by the government of Mozambique.
The power station is operated by Hidroelectrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), a Mozambican parastatal company.
HCB sells 65 percent of its output (about 1,349 megawatts), directly to South Africa via the 1,420 kilometres (882 mi) Cahora Bassa–Johannesburg High Voltage Transmission Line.
Some of the remaining 35 percent (about 726 megawatts), is exported to Zimbabwe and the rest is distributed to the northern provinces of Mozambique.
In Inhambane Province, Sasol Limited processes natural gas for export via pipeline to South Africa with a fraction sent to Maputo for domestic consumption.