NamPower plans to move all its customers from the current post – paid billing system to a new pre – paid billing system to prevent local authorities from accumulating debt in electricity tariffs . The move will allow local authorities to manage their electricity usage , modernise metering infrastructure and reduce operating costs of utilities which are passed down to customers . In a meeting with the management of the Keetmanshoop municipality on Wednesday , NamPower senior manager for supply business and customer service Johannes Van Wyk said following the accumulation of debt experienced during the COVID – 19 pandemic , the power utility was instructed by its board of directors to come up with initiatives that would aid local authorities , hence the introduction of a pre – paid billing system . ‘ The new billing system is similar to the one used by households , the only difference is that bulk users or the municipality will not buy tokens from NamPower , to upload it on their operator , however the operato
r will open and close depending on the number of credits the municipality has on its account with NamPower ,’ he explained . According to Van Wyk , the project was initially earmarked for defaulting customers , but it was however decided that it be introduced to all local authorities to avoid two billing systems , The project is currently used by the Rehoboth town council as a pilot since May this year and will run until October . ‘ We have tested the system from May this year in Rehoboth , which is on a five – month pre – payment system , and they have proved that the concept can work , so there is no reason why other municipalities cannot do the same ,’ he said . Head of Keetmanshoop Electricity Business Unit , Lee Mwemba in response informed the meeting that the municipality will next week share and consult the residents and council before they consider entering into an agreement with NamPower . ‘ We have to present this to the residents and tell them the how they could benefit from this before we go to co
uncil to endorse the contract ,’ he said .

Source: The Namibia News Agency