Mmegi

Gov’t weighs options as tariffs become ‘unsustainable’

Under pressure: Local generation accounts for just under two-thirds of demand PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI
Under pressure: Local generation accounts for just under two-thirds of demand PIC: MBONGENI MGUNI

The Minerals and Energy ministry is reviewing a Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) tariff study which will chart the path to cost-reflective tariffs, as government says continuing to subsidise electricity is “increasingly unsustainable”.

Whilst consumers, particularly households, believe the cost of electricity is high, high local generation costs and escalating imports, mean the current tariffs are a fraction of the true cost paid by the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).

Government has thus been pouring in billions of pula over the years to plug the gap and restrain tariff adjustments from what they need to be to reach cost-reflective level.

Editor's Comment
Warm relations must not come at the expense of fair trade

“I believe that free but fair trade isan absolute imperative”– John E. JamesFor two countries bound by geography, history and deep economic ties, periods of diplomatic strain serve neither side well. President Duma Boko’s efforts to restore momentum to relations with Pretoria deserve recognition, particularly at a time when Southern Africa faces shared challenges ranging from sluggish economic growth and unemployment to energy security...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up