Justicia Shipena
The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has moved closer to finalising changes to the rules that govern the electricity sector after years of consultations with stakeholders.
Speaking at a validation workshop in Windhoek on Monday, ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise said the review focuses on the tariff methodology, economic rules and net metering rules that underpin the electricity supply industry.
“Today, we gather for a comprehensive review of the foundational pillars for our sector’s future: the Economic Rules, the Net Metering Rules, and the Tariff Methodology for generation, transmission and distribution,” he said.
The process began in 2023 and involved sustained engagement with industry players.
Kahimise said the review is necessary because the current tariff methodology has remained largely unchanged for nearly 20 years and no longer reflects changes in the electricity market.
“The tariff methodology requires modernisation to drive efficiency. We must move towards a structured, transparent, and performance-based system, including multi-year pricing, to incentivise real operational improvements, ensure vital network investment, and manage costs effectively,” he noted.
He said the revised framework is based on four main principles. These are ensuring the electricity industry is financially and technically sustainable, keeping electricity affordable to support social and economic development, matching tariffs with reliable service delivery, and maintaining a fair and predictable regulatory process.
Kahimise said the economic rules aim to support a competitive and efficient electricity industry while protecting consumers.
“They seek to balance cost-reflective tariffs that ensure licensee viability with the imperative of affordability and consumer protection,” he said.
He stated that the net metering rules aim to provide consumers with greater control over their electricity consumption.
“The net metering rules introduce complementary objectives to empower consumers through self-generation, reduce grid reliance, promote renewables, and deliver socio-economic benefits,” Kahimise said.
He said stakeholder input at the validation stage is critical.
“Your focused scrutiny and constructive dialogue are essential to ensure they are robust, practical and aligned with our shared vision,” he said.
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Robert Kahimise
