ECB flags local power gaps
Namibia’s electricity network is in satisfactory overall condition, although significant weaknesses remain in some locally managed networks, particularly those operated by local and regional councils, according to the Electricity Control Board (ECB).
The findings are contained in the ECB’s National Electricity Infrastructure Status Report for 2024/2025, which assesses the condition and compliance of electricity networks across all 14 regions of the country.
The ECB conducts annual inspections to assess whether electricity infrastructure is safe, properly maintained and capable of providing a reliable supply to consumers.
The latest inspections covered NamPower, Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs), municipalities, town and village councils, regional councils, farmer schemes and mines.
Networks were classified as either satisfactory, meaning they were in good working order, or poor, indicating that urgent attention was required.
The report found that Namibia’s high-voltage transmission network, operated by NamPower, remains well maintained and reliable.
The main differences in network condition emerged at the local distribution level, where electricity is delivered to homes and businesses.
Networks operated by REDs generally performed better than those managed directly by local councils.
CENORED, which operates in the Otjozondjupa region, was identified as a strong performer, with its network maintained in good condition.
NORED, which operates in northern Namibia, still has a number of compliance issues to address. However, the ECB said the distributor has a maintenance system in place that helps manage the risks associated with those shortcomings.
Council-run networks generally performed less well.
The //Kharas Region recorded the most concerns, followed by Hardap and Omaheke. The ECB identified Khomas, served by the City of Windhoek, and Otjozondjupa as positive exceptions, with networks in those areas found to be in good condition.
The report also highlighted significant challenges among electricity networks operated by farming communities.
The ECB inspected 13 farmer schemes, of which eight, more than 60%, were rated poor.
The regulator attributed the weak performance largely to the fact that operating an electricity network is not the farmers’ primary activity. Many schemes also face shortages of technical skills and funding, as well as difficulties maintaining infrastructure.
Rather than focusing on individual farms, the ECB said it was working to support the sector as a whole and improve standards across farmer-operated electricity networks.
The mining sector performed better overall
Seven mines were inspected, with most found to have well-maintained electricity networks.
Namdeb was the main exception, accounting for more than half of the problems identified in the mining sector. The ECB attributed the issues to ageing equipment and inadequate maintenance.
Tsumeb power interruptions resolved
The ECB also said frequent electricity interruptions previously experienced in Tsumeb have been resolved following corrective maintenance and network improvement works.
A second round of technical inspections resulted in a series of upgrades intended to improve the reliability and stability of the local network.
The work included improved protection and fault-detection equipment, the installation by NamPower of a new device to record and analyse faults, testing and activation of additional safety systems, and repairs to damaged wiring and equipment covers.
The ECB said the improvements had addressed the problems identified during its earlier assessments.
The regulator said the overall condition of the national electricity network was encouraging, while acknowledging that weaknesses remained in specific areas.
It said the report would allow it to focus its engagement and support on institutions where intervention was most needed.
The ECB plans to increase its engagement with institutions requiring assistance, support the establishment of new REDs in the southern and central parts of Namibia, and work with relevant ministries to help under-resourced councils finance proper network maintenance.
ECB chief executive Robert Kahimise said the findings showed that the country’s electricity network was broadly in good condition, while providing a clear indication of where further work was required.
“The findings confirm that our electricity network is in good shape overall, and that gives us real comfort.”
He said the report was also clear about weaknesses, particularly in areas where electricity networks are operated by local councils rather than dedicated electricity distribution companies.
“We will keep on monitoring such studies so that problems are spotted early and fixed before they affect people’s safety or their electricity supply,” he said.
