STAFF WRITER
WINDHOEK residents need to tighten their belts in the cold winter nights ahead after the City of Windhoek and the Electricity Control Board (ECB) on Friday started consultations on a proposed 4 percent electricity tariff increase.
The city argued the 4 percent ceiling will cushion them from the 3.8 percent bulk power tariff announced last month.
The City and ECB hosted a joint public consultation session at the Khomas Regional Council Hall.
According to a statement released by the city fathers, the consultations were aimed at engaging and educating the public on the proposed 2025/2026 electricity tariff application and the broader tariff determination process.
“ The consultation served as a platform to inform residents about the factors that guided the City’s
new tariff application, in line with the City’s Electricity Pricing Policy. Most importantly, it promoted transparency and created space for open dialogue between electricity consumers and key stakeholders in the electricity supply sector,” the city said in a statement.
The consultations were attended by residents, business owners, and city representatives.
“ As the licensed electricity distributor for the Khomas Region, the City of Windhoek presented
its proposed weighted average tariff increase of 4%. This is closely aligned with NamPower’s approved average increase of 3.8%. If approved by the ECB, this proposed increase would result in a 3% tariff adjustment for normal residential customers and a 1% increase for pensioners,” the city said.
The city added that, “ These proposed increases are notably lower than NamPower’s approved 3.8%
average increase.”
According to the City of Windhoek the proposed increased has been necessitated by NamPower’s approved average tariff increase of 3.8%, technical personnel shortages due to population growth of over 67% in Windhoek since 2011, which has necessitated the budgeting of new positions for the 2025/26
financial year and a slight increase in maintenance costs brought about by the natural expansion and
growth of the city.
“The City of Windhoek wishes to assure the public of its continued commitment to keeping electricity prices both affordable and sustainable. This dedication is reflected in the fact that the City of Windhoek still maintains some of the lowest electricity tariffs in Namibia, while continuing to provide quality service across a growing urban landscape,” the statement said.
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