14 Mar 2018

For power distribution and reticulation, Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) prefers overhead lines mode, Parliament has been informed.

Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Nonofo Molefhi said this in Parliament on Tuesday, on behalf of the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security.

Mr Molefhi said the choice was primarily influenced by the relatively high capital outlay required for underground reticulation, compared to overhead lines, which would make it unsustainable and would limit electricity access to the general populace.

He however noted that with the installation of lightning arresters, use of quality insulators and use of wooden poles, the frequency of faults on overhead lines was greatly minimised.

 “The corporation does not have preference of the installation/connection type it offers to its consumer for a service connection / installation, instead, the consumer has a choice amongst the two options,” he said.

Further, the minister stated that there were instances where the solid conditions like rocky areas, made the underground service difficult and costly.

Mr Molefhi also highlighted that the corporation issued summarised quotation to its customers but however, a detailed quotation could be availed to customers upon request, itemising all materials to be used in the installation of electricity

MP for Ramotswa, Mr Samuel Rantuana had asked the minister why BPC gave its customers lump sum quotations without any breakdown or specifications of items to be used and their costs.

Mr Rantuana also asked the minister to state why the BPC preferred overhead installations to underground when overhead was prone to lightning faults and electrical surges which could result in damage to electrical appliances in homes or even burn houses. Ends