- Tsaone Segaetsho
Business Botswana has welcomed the Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority’s (BERA) decision to approve a 9 per cent electricity tariff increase, saying stakeholder engagement helped secure a more balanced outcome than the initially proposed 46 per cent adjustment.
The business representative body said it participated in BERA’s stakeholder consultation process, where it submitted evidence-based recommendations urging the regulator to reconsider the magnitude of the proposed increase.
BERA this week approved a 9 per cent electricity tariff adjustment, effective 1 August, significantly lower than the initially proposed 46 per cent increase.
Business Botswana thanked its members for contributing to the consultation process, saying their input enabled the organisation to present a representative private sector position that reflected the realities facing businesses across the country.
“We extend our appreciation to all members who participated, as your input enabled us to present a representative private sector perspective reflecting the realities faced by businesses,” the organisation said.
It noted that its submission highlighted the potential impact a substantial tariff increase would have on business operations, investment, competitiveness and employment.
“We therefore advocated for a more balanced and phased approach that considers the sustainability of the electricity sector while maintaining an environment that enables businesses to grow, invest and contribute to economic development,” it said.
Business Botswana further recommended improvements in operational efficiency and sector management at the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), increased investment in affordable renewable energy, targeted support for productive sectors, greater private sector participation in the energy market and pricing mechanisms that promote industrial growth and economic transformation.
According to the organisation, the approved 9 per cent adjustment, although introduced amid fiscal pressures and rising operating costs, represents a more measured outcome than the original proposal.
“This demonstrates the value of meaningful stakeholder participation in shaping regulatory decisions that consider both sector sustainability and economic realities,” Business Botswana said.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies that strengthen business competitiveness, attract investment, create employment opportunities and accelerate private sector-led economic transformation.
