Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Electricity Control Board (ECB) Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kahimise said proposed tariff structures must balance the operational viability of utilities with ensuring electricity remains accessible and affordable for all Namibians.
Kahimise spoke at the Nampower 2025/2026 bulk tariff public presentation in Windhoek on Wednesday.
He said the ECB, as a regulator, aims to create tariffs that are fair and support economic growth at both business and household levels.
“We are not just inundated with access and affordability concerns. The long-term sustainability of our national electricity utility also features pertinently given its creditworthiness—which is foundational not only to its operations but also to the broader Namibian economy. Protecting this creditworthiness is of utmost importance, ensuring that we can continue investing in our electricity grid and thereby facilitating economic growth and energy access for all Namibians,” he said.
He explained that the ECB aims to establish itself as a cornerstone of the electricity regulatory framework.
By aligning financial incentives for license holders with the goal of improved service delivery, the ECB encourages efficiency, innovation, and optimal resource use.
This approach benefits utility operators and can lead to better services and potentially lower costs for consumers.
“We have decided to revise the methodology that we have applied over the years in determining electricity tariffs. Our thinking is to incorporate performance-based efficiencies in this methodology, which will benefit both licensees and consumers. As you might be aware, we currently review tariffs annually, but we have started investigating the possibility of introducing multi-year pricing in our market,” said Kahimise.
He added that the ECB has begun revising the Market Performance Management Framework for the Namibian Electricity Supply Industry.
An efficient framework is essential for monitoring and improving the operational performance of the electricity market.
It enables regulators and stakeholders to identify inefficiencies quickly and implement corrective measures.
