Plans to transition the Electricity Control Board of Namibia (ECB) into a fully-fledged Namibia Energy Regulatory Authority (NERA) are progressing at a snail’s pace.
Currently, the ECB’s mandate is limited to regulating electricity generation, transmission, distribution, supply, and import and export in Namibia.
Transitioning to an energy regulator would give the ECB a broader mandate to oversee the multi-energy sector, including the oil, gas and green hydrogen sectors. A NERA Bill has been drafted and pending finalisation before being tabled in Parliament.
Recently, the ECB approved its Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) covering a five-year period from 2026–2031, which also serves as a blueprint to transition the control board into a fully-fledged energy regulator.
NERA will regulate hydrocarbons, which is oil and gas, and the infrastructure to be used, while the new Electricity Bill will see the introduction of the licensing for the storage of electricity, the system operator, and the market operator.
ECB Chief Executive Officer Robert Kahimise confirmed to ETANGO that both the Electricity Bill and the NERA Bill had been drafted, however, he pointed out that there were a few issues still needing finalisation, such as matters pertaining to the establishment of an Energy Tribunal.
Key Aspects of ECB to NERA Transition
- Expanded Mandate: NERA will regulate not only electricity but also downstream gas, downstream petroleum, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
- Multi-Year Tariffs: The regulator is moving from single-year to multi-year tariff reviews to improve sector performance and investor confidence.
- Legislative Process: The transformation is facilitated by the NERA Bill and the new Electricity Bill, designed to enhance regulatory oversight.
- Grid Stability & Expansion: The transition focuses on increasing national electrification from 59.3% (2024) to 70% (2030) and upgrading grid infrastructure for renewable energy integration.
- Sector Challenges: The new entity will address high electricity import dependency, affordability, and the need for reliable energy supply.
The transition aims to create a more integrated and efficient energy sector in Namibia, moving beyond a single-sector focus to manage a broader, multi-energy landscape.
