Tensions rise over City's proposed power price hike
The City of Windhoek’s recent public consultation on its proposed 2025/2026 electricity tariff adjustments has sparked a public outcry, with critics questioning both the process and the legitimacy of its collaboration with the Electricity Control Board (ECB).The City, in conjunction with the ECB, hosted a consultation session at the Khomas Regional Council Hall last week to present and explain its proposed weighted average tariff increase of 4%.
According to the municipality, the event was meant to foster transparency and provide residents with an opportunity to engage with the City and key stakeholders in the electricity sector.
The proposed increase, if approved by the ECB, would result in normal residential consumers paying 3% more for electricity in the coming financial year, while pensioners would see a 1% increase.
The City stated that these figures remain below NamPower’s recently approved 3.8% average increase.
Justifying the tariff hike, City officials cited several contributing factors, including NamPower’s increase, growing demand for technical staff due to a 67% population growth in Windhoek since 2011, and rising maintenance costs stemming from urban expansion.
The City stated that it remains committed to affordability, noting that it still offers some of the lowest electricity rates in the country.
However, not all stakeholders are convinced the process was as inclusive or transparent as claimed.
Lack of notice
Social activist Shaun Gariseb criticised the City in a widely shared social media post, accusing officials of deliberately failing to notify the public ahead of the consultation.
“Ratepayers, you see the classic tactic of keeping you uninformed,” Gariseb wrote. “These people knew if they had notified the public, we would go and oppose their application. So they just come to tell you after having already done the consultation.”
Gariseb also cast doubt on the ECB’s role in the process. “Our biggest question now: Was the consultation in conjunction with ECB? How can ECB collaborate with the City of Windhoek, who undermined their authority?”
He called for a redo of the public consultation, stating: “We will find out for you and we will make sure this consultation is redone. Skelm mense. Sies.”
No response
The City and ECB remain silent in the face of criticism.
As of Monday morning, neither the City of Windhoek nor the ECB had issued a public response to Gariseb’s claims.
The ECB is expected to review the City’s application in the coming weeks, after which a decision on the tariff adjustments will be made.
Meanwhile, public sentiment remains divided.
While some residents welcome the City's relatively moderate increases and commitment to cost control, others feel blindsided and excluded from a process that directly affects their monthly expenses.
The City has urged members of the public to contact its corporate communications office for further information or to submit feedback.
The ECB has not yet confirmed whether further public hearings will be held before the final decision is made.