The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has announced that it cannot currently intervene in cases where local authorities block prepaid electricity meters due to unpaid municipal service bills.
In a media statement issued on Friday, ECB chief executive Robert Kahimise said the practice contravenes the provisions of the Electricity Act of 2007, as well as subordinate legislation.
Kahimise said the ECB had already communicated its stance through a media statement on 27 June, and a public notice on its social media platforms on 11 July.
“The ECB hereby informs the public that its ruling has since been challenged in a court of law,” he said.
Kahimise said the ongoing legal proceedings have restricted the ECB from taking any immediate action against licensees who implement the practice.
The ECB says complaints regarding the blocking of prepaid electricity meters for arrears on other municipal services will not be investigated until the court reaches a decision.
Kahimise assured the public that the ECB would keep the public updated on any development.
“Please be assured that the ECB will not abdicate its mandate as the electricity regulator in Namibia,” he said.
The ECB has also advised customers facing blocked prepaid electricity meters to negotiate with their local authorities regarding payment arrangements.
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