Mbabane – The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) reported that repeated storms and related network incidents cost the utility more than E32 million in the 2024/25 financial year.
EEC Managing Director Ernest Mkhonta told stakeholders at the company’s public hearing for the 2026/27 tariff review that exceptional network incidents amounted to E32,232,493.36, largely driven by storm damage, copper theft, vandalism, and unplanned maintenance.
He said storm-related costs were 83 percent above budget after repeated storms caused extensive damage to distribution infrastructure, forcing emergency repairs to restore electricity supply in affected areas.
Mkhonta added, “Overtime costs increased by 48 percent above budget as technical teams worked extended hours to reconnect customers and stabilise the network following storm damage.” He noted that contractor costs also rose sharply due to repeated repairs and escalating prices for imported materials.
He further explained that longer travel distances for maintenance teams, poor road infrastructure, and adverse weather conditions added further pressure to the company’s operating costs.
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