TIRI MASAWI and IMELDA AMBONDO
The government has begun plans to transform the Electricity Control Board (ECB) into the Namibia Energy Regulatory Authority (NERA), expanding its mandate beyond electricity to also regulate downstream gas, petroleum, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Currently, the ECB regulates only the electricity sector.
The move follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision earlier this year to place the downstream oil and gas industry under the Presidency, citing the need to better understand and manage the emerging sector.
ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise told Namibia Business Review on Friday that the transformation into Namibia Energy Regulatory Authority will be completed through the promulgation of the NERA Bill.
He said commencement of the process will occur after a ministerial determination and parliamentary approval.
“This represents a fundamental institutional change, not merely a name change.
The transformation will expand the regulator’s mandate beyond electricity to include downstream gas, downstream petroleum, renewable energy, and energy efficiency sectors,” he said.
Kahimise said the new legal framework will introduce enhanced governance structures, including an Energy Tribunal for dispute resolution, and strengthen the regulator’s independence and enforcement capabilities.
The envisaged transformation comes at a time when Namibia is leading the drive for the production of green hydrogen as well as experiencing a promising period characterised by several oil and gas discoveries.
Several companies have confirmed the availability of hydrocarbons in Namibia. However the discoveries have not yet revealed whether they are commercially viable.
“The transformation will significantly strengthen the ECB’s regulatory capacity. NERA will operate under a more comprehensive legal framework with expanded
enforcement provisions, including directives, warnings, and enforceable undertakings,” Kahimise said.
He added that the establishment of an Energy Tribunal will provide an independent
mechanism for dispute resolution, reducing regulatory delays.
“The broader mandate will enable coordinated regulation across multiple energy sectors, promoting synergies and efficient resource utilisation while maintaining focus on electricity regulation,” he said.
“Key benefits, according to Kahimise, include enhanced regulatory independence, improved enforcement mechanisms, and a more robust institutional framework aligned with international best practice.
According to Kahimise, the expanded scope of the regulator allows for integrated energy sector planning and regulation, supporting the government’s energy security objectives.
Kahimise said stakeholders will benefit from clearer regulatory processes, faster dispute resolution, and more predictable regulatory decisions.
“Cabinet approved the Modified Single Buyer Market Model in April 2019, demonstrating support for regulatory evolution. The transformation aligns with
government policy objectives outlined in the National Energy Policy (2017), which explicitly calls for completing the EB’s transformation into a National Energy Regulatory Authority,” he said.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Kahimise said their Integrated Strategic Business Plan positions ECB and the future NERA as a catalyst for Namibia’s energy transformation, fostering confidence, innovation, and regulatory excellence.
The Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) for 2026–2031, outlines how the ECB will drive improved performance over the next five years.
The plan, Kahimise said, responds to critical challenges such as escalating demand, affordability concerns and the country’s continued dependence on electricity imports.
With the country entering the rainy season, the ECB also urged the public to take electricity safety seriously. “Electricity can be a deadly commodity. Handle appliances and power cords cautiously,” Kahimise warned.
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