The Electricity Control Board (ECB) says it remains firmly behind efforts to establish a Central Regional Electricity Distributor (Central RED), but a lack of consensus within the City of Windhoek is delaying progress.
The proposed Central RED,meant to streamline electricity supply in Windhoek, the Khomas Regional Council, Dordabis, and surrounding areas,is part of Namibia’s broader electricity reform under the RED (Regional Electricity Distributor) model.
ECB Chief Executive Officer Robert Kahimise said the Central RED would integrate both urban and rural electricity networks under a single operator, helping to address inequalities in access to electricity.
“From our side, we are actively assisting the government in establishing a Central Regional Electricity Distributor, known as Central RED. The objective is to bring together both affluent urban areas, such as Windhoek, and typical rural areas that are usually supplied by regional councils,” Kahimise told The Brief.
However, he confirmed that the City of Windhoek has yet to agree to the proposal, stalling momentum on a plan that has been under discussion for years.
“That is the gap we need to bridge. If the city earns N$2 to N$3 billion annually from electricity, but 80 percent of that goes to NamPower, what is the true benefit?” said Kahimise, who previously served as CEO of the City of Windhoek.
Concerns have been raised,both within council structures and among the public,about the potential impact on the city’s revenue and the cost of setting up a new RED, especially the executive management structure. But Kahimise argued these fears are overstated.
“There have also been concerns from consumers… But that is not the case. Staff costs are one of the smallest contributors to overall expenses,” he said, adding that such costs do not significantly influence electricity tariffs.
Kahimise stressed that the government’s intention with the RED model is to enable cross-subsidisation,where wealthier, urban areas help support surrounding towns that struggle financially or face unreliable electricity supply.
“It would be unfair for Windhoek to have consistent power while places like Rehoboth and Okahandja continue to experience load-shedding. The government’s vision through the RED model is to balance the system,” he said.
He pointed to the example of the Erongo RED, where coastal towns like Walvis Bay and Swakopmund help support rural areas such as Daures and Okombahe.
The ECB is continuing technical work toward forming the Central RED, including efforts to consolidate existing electricity distribution licenses under one operator.
“Alternative models, such as a broader City Power structure, are also under consideration, provided they incorporate the surrounding regions. Our hope is to agree on a model that the City Council can support in order to operationalise Central RED,” Kahimise said.
