BERA kickstarts public hearings on BPC tariffs

Going up: Consumers believe the BPC is unilaterally and even secretly increasing tariffs
Going up: Consumers believe the BPC is unilaterally and even secretly increasing tariffs

The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) will hold public hearings on electricity tariffs next month, as consumer outrage continues over a recent 22% tariff increase.

On social media and other platforms, consumers have vented their anger over BERA’s decision to award the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) a tariff increase in March, at a time when the economy and households were facing a mounting crisis from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Consumers have even accused the BPC of secretly tampering with the prepaid meters to increase the rate of consumption. The BPC has instead said higher consumption rates are associated with winter demand, the tariff increase and the fact that more people are working from home due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Editor's Comment
Gov’t must rectify recognition of Khama as Kgosi

While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up