BPC’s P2.5bn bailout raises questions ahead of tariff decision :: Mmegi Online

As the country awaits a decision by the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) on a proposed 46% electricity tariff hike, revelations that government injected P2.5 billion into the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) last year to keep the utility afloat have raised fresh questions over the direction authorities will take on electricity pricing.

The proposed tariff adjustment has already drawn strong opposition from the industry, as manufacturers and exporters warn that the increase could severely undermine the country’s fragile industrial base.

Late last year, BPC lodged a tariff application with BERA seeking an average 46% increase in electricity prices from April 2026. Under the proposal, domestic consumers would face the steepest adjustment at 68%, whilst government users would see tariffs rise by 41%. Commercial users and mining companies would each face increases of about 40%, producing a weighted average adjustment of 46% across all consumer categories.