08 Sep 2013

The perception that the price of electricity is cheaper at some vendors is a misconception, Serowe region senior technical officer for Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), Mr Gabobewe Lekalake has said.

Addressing Serowe Administration Authority recently, Mr Lekalake said domestic customers who used electricity that was less than 200 KWh per month bought it at 58 thebe per unit at any retailer including from BPC.  

Domestic customers using above 200 KWh per month, were charged 76 thebe per unit at any retailer. “From zero to 200 KWh domestic users are charged P0.5763 per unit within a month but if they exceed 200 KWh within that particular month they are charged P0.7571,” he explained. 

If one purchases 200 KWh of electricity from a vendor, one will be charged 58 thebe per unit and later when he/she purchases electricity in a different or same vendor within that particular month, one would be charged 76 thebe per unit because one had exceeded 200 KWh.

Mr Lekalake also explained that BPC has two systems; online and offline system.  He said the offline system is used only when there is no network. 

Mr Lekalake pointed out that the offline system, which is to be phased out, does not reflect usage history and therefore electricity is sold at 58 thebe per unit at any point.  He said this  could be reason why some people think electricity is cheaper at BPC. Ends