Windhoek: Electricity tariffs in Windhoek have increased by an average of 3.6% starting Tuesday, as announced by the City of Windhoek (CoW) following approval by the Electricity Control Board (ECB) under the Electricity Act, 2007 (Act 4 of 2007).According to Namibia Press Agency, the adjustment is set for the 2026/2027 financial year and affects various categories including residential, business, industrial, and departmental users. Residential postpaid customers using over 20 Amps are now charged N$1.6616 per kWh, marking a 3.0% rise, with the fixed monthly charge for this group increasing by 3.0% to N$15.45.Residential prepaid customers are experiencing a 2.0% increase, now paying N$2.4298 per kWh. Pensioners on social prepaid tariffs using up to 250 units are charged N$1.6330 per kWh, reflecting a 1.3% increase, while those using more than 251 units continue to pay N$2.4298 per kWh without any change.General customers with a capacity of 75 Amps or less now face a 4.0% increase, paying N$2.2924 per kWh , with the fixed charge also rising 4.0% to N$19.76. The same energy rate and percentage increase apply to general customers above 75 Amps on a flat tariff, whose fixed charge has risen by 4.0% to N$31.20.Departmental customers saw a 1.7% increase in their energy charge to N$1.7441 per kWh, with the fixed charge rising by 4.0% to N$27.04. Meanwhile, social services and old age homes on non-demand tariffs recorded no change in their rates.Additional levies, including the Local Authority Surcharge at N$0.1100 per kWh, the ECB Levy at N$0.0212 per kWh, and the NEF Levy at N$0.0160 per kWh, remain unchanged. The City clarified that the published tariffs exclude Value Added Tax (VAT), with residential account holders being zero-rated for VAT purposes, while non-residential account holders are taxed at 15%.The City stated that this adjustment, effective from 01 September 2026, is crucial to maintain a secure and reliable electricity supply for all residents. It added that the increase will aid in meeting the growing infrastructure needs while fostering Windhoek's social and economic development.