The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) has approved an average 24% electricity tariff increase for elite and industrial customers.
In a press release on June 27, the agency also announced a 30% reduction in tariffs for domestic customers who consume less than 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month.
The tariff adjustment comes in response to a March 6 application by Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) for the energy regulator to increase tariffs by 38% across all customer categories.
“These adjustments aim to support BPC’s financial recovery, address its high debt levels, and strengthen the Corporation’s capacity to meet its operational obligations and ensure a stable electricity supply for the country”, BERA said in the press statement.
BERA said the tariff adjustment decision came after a thorough assessment of the application and in consideration of the nation’s prevailing socio-economic conditions, as well as various other factors.
The electricity tariff adjustment for the 2025/26 financial year, and it will take effect from Tuesday, 1st July 2025.
Botswana’s electricity crisis
The electricity regulator advised consumers to adopt energy efficiency and conservation practices.
“These will assist to manage electricity consumption, reduce utility bills, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and stability of Botswana’s power supply”.
The recommendation comes at a time when the country is struggling to keep the lights on due to its ageing Morupule-B Thermal Power Station.
The country itself largely depends on imported electricity from neighbouring South Africa which, according to Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo, it now owes more than $185 million in electricity debt.
Earlier in April, Botswana’s Energy Minister Kenewendo visited South Africa in order to renegotiate terms for a new power purchase agreement with the country’s power utility, Eskom, while securing 200 megawatts (MW) of electricity supply.
The country has to implement power cuts as electricity demand reaches 640 MW at peak hours, well above current supply rates.
The country’s power grid is also being fed by two diesel-powered power plants which provide a total of 130 MW, as well as a new 50-megawatt solar installation.
Meanwhile on the renewable energy front, the 120 MW Mmadinare Solar Complex is currently under development by Norway’s Scatec ASA which will power over 20,000 households once fully operational.
