ECB preparing for change

The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has started an alignment process to ensure that once the Namibia Energy Regulatory Authority Bill is passed, the regulator is in a position to adapt operationally and legally to what would be required of it.The new bill will mark a change in how the energy regulator currently operates while giving the transformed ECB additional functions. Although no timeline for the adoption of the energy bill has been set, the regulator is nonetheless preparing for its new envisaged role as the Namibia Energy Regulatory Authority.Speaking to Namibian Sun recently, its CEO Foibe Namene explained the new anticipated role it would undertake. “The ECB's current role is electricity regulation. Once the NERA Bill becomes an Act, the ECB will be transformed into the National Energy Regulatory Authority (NERA). While [the] ECB focusses solely on electricity, NERA will focus on regulation, electricity, downstream gas, including, but not limited to, gas transmission pipelines and gas storage facilities; downstream petroleum transmission pipelines including storage facilities; renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation.“We are not operational in terms of the anticipated Act yet, but preparation for the transformation is already in full swing. We have started looking at our structure, operations and policies,” she added.She said that the ECB was on track operationally with its transformation blueprint, saying: “We [have] secured a new building for the increased role of the transformed regulator, one that can accommodate the present staff of the ECB and additional staff to be recruited to perform the regulator's expanded mandate. We are also discussing the structure and skills needed to effectively execute the new role efficiently.”She also updated Namibian Sun with regard to changes concerning the single-buyer model, which currently allows only energy behemoth NamPower to sell bulk electricity to town councils, mines and the regional energy distributors.Commenting on the anticipated changes to the model, she said: “The single-buyer model is currently under review. Based on the outcome of the review process, an appropriate market model will be developed. In view of Namibia's experiences in engaging with independent power producers (IPPs). The emergence of different market structures, funding requirements, significant cost reductions in photovoltaic and wind costs, and the emergence of new storage technologies, has prompted the ECB to review the suitability of the current market model.” According to her, the revised market framework will facilitate a competitive electricity supply industry market, ensure reliable energy supply, increase competition in the industry through the increased involvement of IPPs, and encourage investment in the sector.Said Namene: “The recommended market framework will be complemented with a set of market rules that will be the guiding regulatory tool for the operation of the market. The work on the review of the market framework commenced at the beginning of 2017 and is expected to be finalised by the end of 2017.”OGONE TLHAGE

ECB preparing for change

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-28

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ECB preparing for change

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-28

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