Most electricity users in Botswana will soon feel the pinch as power prices are set to rise from next week. The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) has approved a major adjustment to electricity tariffs, which will see a 24% average increase for the majority of customers starting July 1, 2025.

This move comes after Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) requested a 38% increase earlier this year to help cover its financial shortfalls and reduce its growing debt. While BERA did not approve the full request, it agreed to raise tariffs significantly for most users — a decision likely to put more pressure on already strained household and business budgets.

Only one group is expected to benefit: domestic customers who use less than 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month, who will receive a 30% discount on their electricity bills. This is intended to protect low-income households and vulnerable populations. However, for everyone else — including medium- to high-usage households, businesses, and institutions — costs will be going up.

The new tariffs are said to be part of BPC’s broader strategy to recover from years of financial difficulty. The utility says it has been operating under heavy debt and rising costs, that government subsidies alone have not been enough to keep it stable.

“The adjustment is necessary to ensure that BPC can continue to operate effectively and invest in the country’s energy infrastructure,” BERA said in a statement. The regulator has also encouraged the public to adopt energy-saving habits to manage consumption and reduce monthly bills.

The changes take effect at midnight on July 1, leaving many Batswana just days to brace for the financial impact.