WALVIS BAY - A high-level delegation from the electricity distributor, Erongo Red, yesterday embarked on a road show that will continue until June 29.

The aim of the road show is to discuss the new tariffs that will come into effect on July 1 this year.
The delegation is also expected to meet the company’s shareholders and various employees in the region.

According to the chairman of the Erongo Red Board of Directors, Coenraad Botha, issues that will be discussed include the current and envisaged power supply and demand-related developments and matters of general interest.

The tour started in Walvis Bay yesterday and will move to Swakopmund today and Henties Bay tomorrow. The delegation is expected to visit Omaruru on Thursday.

Karibib, Usakos and Arandis will be visited next week.
Two public meetings will be hosted in each town, first with pensioners and the community elders in the morning, followed by another meeting for the general public in the afternoon.

Botha said Erongo Red values all its existing and potential customers and their feedback regarding the electricity distributor’s services and their opinions are essential for the company’s success. 
“We shall also use this opportunity to share the company’s vision and other developments with the public and our shareholders. This will be a form of information-sharing by Erongo Red,” said Botha.

“Judging from last year, this has become a valued exercise for both the customers and Erongo Red as extensive consideration was given based on feedback received during last year’s visits. I hope the public will come out in full force to these meetings, since this is where they can be properly informed on matters relating to the power situation in the Erongo Region. And we are hoping for a fruitful mission again this year,” said Botha.

He also said that given the prevailing economic and power supply situation in the country, Erongo Red was doing its utmost to cushion consumers from further financial burdens, adding that Erongo Red and its customers must join hands to reduce electricity consumption and bring tariffs down.

Botha said it is everybody’s responsibility to save electricity as such actions would lead to a decrease in electricity tariffs.
Botha re-emphasised the importance of the on-going quest by the electricity provider to find new ways of ensuring reliable electricity supply, superior service and competitive, as well as affordable, pricing at all times.

“With the new NamPower tariffs affecting Erongo Red with an increase of over 23 percent, we had to become creative in our new tariff adjustments and I believe we have cushioned the impact substantially.

“The upcoming revised electricity tariffs for the new financial year will address daily bread-and-butter issues, and we hope if approved by the Electricity Control Board, Erongo Red will be able to put a smile on people’s faces,” he said.