American Journal of Operations Management and Information Systems 2018; 3(1): 27-32 http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ajomis doi: 10.11648/j.ajomis.20180301.14 Adoption of Smart Grid Framework Which Tracks Power Consumption of Household Appliances in Zimbabwe Elliot Mbunge 1 , Talent Rugube 2 1 Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa 2 Department of ICT and Electronics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe Email address: To cite this article: Elliot Mbunge, Talent Rugube. Adoption of Smart Grid Framework Which Tracks Power Consumption of Household Appliances in Zimbabwe. American Journal of Operations Management and Information Systems. Vol. 3, No. 1, 2018, pp. 27-32. doi: 10.11648/j.ajomis.20180301.14 Received: February 27, 2018; Accepted: March 13, 2018; Published: April 9, 2018 Abstract: The aim of this study was to design a smart grid framework which tracks power consumption of household appliances. The study explored technology being used with current traditional power grid to transmit and distribute electricity from power generation sources until power reaches the final consumer. The challenges and problems of the current traditional grid were unearthed in this study to bring best solution to mitigate the current power shortage problems. Smart grid model which supports real-time electricity power usage monitoring and controlling capability is proposed as an alternative measure to control unnecessary power usage for domestic and commercial purposes. Real-time power usage monitoring, distributed power generation, varying energy demand, remote detection and faults identification, and bi-directional communication are cross- cutting technology and drivers of the implementation of smart grid. The researchers recommended energy authorities to engage with power customers to craft a policy that govern remote monitoring and controlling of electrical appliances’ power consumption to ensure complete adoption of smart grid. Keywords: Smart Grid, Smart Meters, Traditional Power Grid, Sustainable Energy Sources 1. Introduction Smart grid refers to several technologies that use digital communications to coordinate a network of electricity delivery systems (Elyoenai, Daniel, Jairo, Victor, & Luis, 2012). Digital commination technologies establish communication platform (Stuti, 2014) in bi-directional form between the electricity customers and power generation sources. The purpose of smart grid systems is to provide adaptable electricity infrastructure, and to optimise energy proficiency (Nicole & Wesley, 2015). Currently, there are various existing power grid technologies, and each version of grid is unique in form and functions. Power grid systems have common goals which are to: reduce power consumption, monitor electricity usage during peak and off- peak times of day (Amir-Hamed, Vincent, Juri, Robert, & Alberto, 2010), and to enable dynamic power distribution. The increase of population and the high use of electrical gadgets in Zimbabwe triggered more demand on energy consumption. Power shortages have been on the rapid increase of late and affect the economy of Zimbabwe as the country’s debt-laden power utility fails to sufficiently supply power to agriculture, commerce and industry (Tichaona, 2012). Energy crises worsen when Kariba Hydropower Station reduced its production capacity half below its operational level, thereby plunging the country into unsustainably load shedding (Phillimon, 2015). This precarious situation plunged industries especially in mining sector into spells of doom. The magnitude of power shortages shows that industries and households have to be content with inconveniences and costs associated with blackout. Residents are encouraged to switch off geysers and other electrical appliances which consumes more electricity to save 300MW but to no avail (Herald, 2015). There need for technology to detect and react to changes in electrical usage using remote control and an automation mechanisms (technological-aided assistant) is irresistible. Power deficit has been affecting country’s economic growth. Domestic and commercial industries, farming activities, healthcare facilities (hospitals and clinics),