The increase in the cost of electricity has become a growing concern for the average consumer and small businesses in Namibia.

To add salt to the injury, NamPower is seeking a 14,59% increase in electricity tariffs for the 2024–25 financial year. 

The proposal, submitted to the Electricity Control Board (ECB), would raise the average transmission customer tariff from 198.56 cents per kilowatt hour to 227.53.

The Electricity Control Board is yet to announce its decision on the proposed tariff increase tomorrow.

NamPower inaugurated the erected fences at four schools in the Zambezi Region worth more than N$2 million.

The schools have been requesting assistance over the past years to keep learners safe.

Handing over the facilities, NamPower's Senior Manager for Human Capital, Dr. Simeon Amunkete, says there is nothing more important and greater than education for any nation.

Dr. Amunkete noted that NamPower has resolved to be part of education development in the advancement of the aspirations of learners and their schools.

After operating for a century without a school hall, St. Barnabas Primary School in Katutura now boasts one.

The school hall, which was inaugurated today, was made possible through the contributions of parents, teachers, and a boost from NamPower.

The principal of St. Barnabas Primary School, Nahason Mbangura, says that a school hall is needed for various activities, as it is not only for the school but can also be used by the local community.

Electricity tariffs are increasing at a rate higher than inflation, which worsens the economic situation for Namibians.

The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has approved tariff increments for about five licensees that exceed the inflation rate, while some other licensees are still waiting for approval for the 2023–2024 financial period.

This situation is likely to put additional financial strain on the citizens and businesses in the country.

Namibians will once again have to dig deeper into their pockets to keep the lights on.

The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has approved an increase of 8.7% for NamPower bulk electricity tariffs, effective this month. That raises the tariff from N$1.82 to N$1.99 per kilowatt-hour.

The NamPower tariffs only impact 70% of distribution costs, with 30% being costs related to different licences.

The tariff increase is applicable to NamPower bulk customers, such as local authorities, regional electricity distributors, and regional councils, who are expected to pass on that cost to end users.

The leader of the Landless People's Movement (LPM), Bernadus Swartbooi, has called for NamPower to be dismantled, saying the power utility has failed to generate sufficient energy for the country.

Swartbooi says Namibia's dependence on South Africa and Zambia for electricity could one day leave the country in the dark.

At a media conference, Swartbooi said Namibia is currently at the mercy of ESKOM and ZESCO.