Windhoek residents will pay more for electricity from 1 September 2026 after the City of Windhoek increased tariffs by an average of 3.6% for the 2026/27 financial year.
The increase, approved by the Electricity Control Board (ECB), applies across several electricity customer categories, with individual tariff components rising by between 1.3% and 5%, while some charges remain unchanged.
The City said the tariff adjustment is necessary to maintain electricity infrastructure and ensure a reliable supply as demand increases across the capital.
“The City of Windhoek wishes to inform residents that, in line with the Electricity Act, 2007 (Act 4 of 2007), and as approved by the Electricity Control Board, electricity tariffs will be adjusted by an average of 3.6% for the 2026/2027 financial year,” the City said.
The new tariff schedule covers residential prepaid and postpaid customers, pensioner social tariffs, general customers, social services, old age homes, departmental users, businesses, resellers and customers on time-of-use tariffs.
For time-of-use customers, electricity charges vary according to peak, standard and off-peak consumption periods. The City said customers will progressively be moved onto time-of-use tariffs as compatible meters are installed.
The tariff schedule also includes additional charges and levies, including the Local Authority Surcharge, ECB Levy and National Energy Fund Levy.
“This adjustment, effective from 1 September 2026, is necessary to maintain a secure, reliable, and high-quality electricity supply for all residents,” the City said.
“The City of Windhoek strives to keep electricity as affordable as possible while ensuring that our infrastructure can meet the growing needs of our community.”
The published electricity tariffs exclude value-added tax. Electricity supplied to residential account holders is zero-rated for VAT, while non-residential customers are subject to 15% VAT.
The electricity increase comes two months after the City implemented an average 4% increase in other municipal tariffs for the 2026/27 financial year, effective from 1 July 2026.
According to the City’s 2026/27 tariff schedule, water, refuse and waste management, sewerage and property assessment rates increased by 4%, while the Fire Brigade Services Levy rose by 3%.
The increases mean Windhoek households are facing higher electricity charges on top of increases already implemented across several other municipal services this financial year.
The City has attributed the broader tariff adjustments to the need to maintain essential services and infrastructure.
