Namibia’s electricity transmission network remains stable, but poor maintenance and weak operational capacity are putting much of the country’s electricity distribution network at risk, according to the Electricity Control Board’s (ECB) National Electricity Infrastructure Status Report for 2024/2025.
The report highlights a widening gap between the country’s transmission system, managed by NamPower, and the distribution networks operated by municipalities, village councils and regional councils. While the transmission network remains in good condition, many local distribution systems require urgent intervention.
“The overall transmission network was relatively compliant, and the overall infrastructure status was satisfactory, with a low risk of continued non-compliance,” the ECB said.
It attributed this to the fact that one entity (NamPower) handles the transmission business and has adequate capacity to operate and maintain the electricity infrastructure.
The audit assessed electricity infrastructure across Namibia during the 2024/25 financial year. It covered transmission and distribution networks, farmer schemes and mines, focusing on compliance with safety standards, maintenance, operations and licence conditions.
However, the findings present a different picture for electricity distribution.
“Most of the distribution network is classified as poor, with non-compliances primarily relating to inadequate implementation of operating procedures… and substandard maintenance practices,” the report states.
Among the regions audited, only Khomas and Otjozondjupa received satisfactory ratings for their distribution infrastructure. The remaining regions were rated as poor, with //Kharas recording the highest risk of continued non-compliance, followed by Hardap and Omaheke regions.
The ECB noted that areas supplied by Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs) generally performed better than those managed directly by local and regional authorities.
“As in previous years, regions with REDs performed better, exhibiting relatively low risk of continued non-compliance,” the report said.
The report identifies several recurring problems affecting electricity infrastructure. These include the lack of maintenance plans, overloaded infrastructure, illegal electricity connections, oil leaks, unsecured infrastructure and shortages of qualified electricians. According to the ECB, these weaknesses increase the risk of accidents, equipment failures, power outages and revenue losses.
The audit also raised concerns about electricity infrastructure operated by farmer schemes.
Of the 13 schemes inspected, more than 60% were rated poor.
“Many farmer schemes are experiencing capacity, operational, ownership and governance challenges,” the report states.
The ECB said many of these schemes are managed by farmers whose primary business is agriculture rather than electricity distribution, resulting in maintenance and operational shortcomings.
In the mining sector, the ECB audited seven mines. Most met the required standards, but Namdeb accounted for more than 55% of all mining-related non-compliance cases because of ageing infrastructure and insufficient maintenance.
Despite the shortcomings in distribution, the ECB concluded that Namibia’s overall electricity infrastructure remains satisfactory because of the national transmission network’s strong performance.
“Nationally, the overall status of the Namibian infrastructure can be classified as satisfactory,” the regulator said.
However, it warned that regions without REDs continue to struggle and require urgent attention.
To improve electricity reliability, the ECB recommends increased maintenance funding, stronger oversight of local and regional authorities, and faster implementation of the Southern RED and Central RED companies.
The regulator also recommends that local authorities prioritise maintenance and refurbishment of ageing infrastructure, while the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy should make funding available through the National Energy Fund to support under-capacitated electricity distributors.
“In cases of repeated non-compliance, the ECB says it should consider revoking licences and appointing operators with the technical and financial capacity to manage electricity distribution effectively,” the ECB said.
The post Poor maintenance strains Namibia’s power grid appeared first on New Era.
