The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has approved Escom’s request to effect an electricity base tariff increase of 50.8 percent spread across the next four years, down from 67.9 the Corporation had initially proposed.

Disclosing this in Lilongwe, MERA Chief Executive Officer Henry Kachaje said the approval is effective September 1, 2023.

Breaking down implementation roadmap for the approved increase, Kachaje said in the 2023 – 2024 financial year, Escom will increase its tariff by 18 percent, and by 16 percent in the following financial year.

In 2025 – 2026 financial year, the power utility service provider will adjust its pricing by 12 percent and finally by 9 percent, during the 2026 – 2027 financial year.

Revenue generated will cater for operational costs such as maintenance works and connecting 240 thousand new clients to the country’s power grid.

In keeping with its 18 percent increase for the 2023 – 2024 fiscal year, Escom has since raised its base tariff from 104 Kwacha per kilowatt per hour, to 157 Kwacha effective September 1, 2023.