Otjiwarongo residents have been complaining about their high electricity tariffs, following an increase imposed by the Electricity Control Board in July last year.

It is against this background that Cenored hosted a community meeting to educate residents on the electricity tariffs. 

Although Cenored had the lowest increase by the Electricity Control Board, at 7.6 percent compared to the other REDS, residents have been questioning why the tariffs are so high.

The President of the Trade Union Congress of Namibia, Mahongora Kavihuha, believes the high cost of electricity in the country is a result of NamPower not living up to its mandate of producing electricity locally.

Kavihuha made this remark at a media conference.

The NamPower 2022 report indicates that Namibia imports 71% of its electricity from neighbouring countries.

Kavihuha says the power utility has proven ineffective in its duty to generate electricity from locally available and cheap resources.

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.