Consumers say they are content with the current regular supply. The regular supply of electricity is because of the launch of a new thermal power plant which produces 30 MW.
“We get electricity for most of the day. Power cuts have also reduced”, says Benjamin Ndikumana, the owner of welding and carpentry workshops living in Kibenga neighbourhood, southern Bujumbura.
He added, “Before we used to get electricity for just an hour per day but now it lasts until midnight”.
The use of the new thermal power plant goes with the rise in the price of electricity. Between 150 and 160 thousand litres of oil per day is used by its generators and it will cost six billion Burundian francs per month.
Director General of REGIDESO, Jéroboam Nzikobanyanka, said the price of electricity would increase. “The cost of 50 kWh will rise from BIF 3400 to BIF 4100 for houses with low voltage
Similarly, 150 Kwh that cost BIF 17200 will now cost BIF 33100. The cost of 100Kwh will increase from BIF 11295 to BIF 23622 for commercial institutions with low voltage while 250 kWh will increase from BIF 37645 to BIF 78838,” detailed Mr Nzikobanyanka.
The electricity users have not yet increased the price of their products and services even though the price of power has increased.
“We have no choice. We maintain the same prices so that we don’t lose customers” says a hairdresser met in Bwiza neighbourhood in the centre of Bujumbura.
Restaurant owners, typists, welders, hairdressers, say the price of electricity should at least increase as long as electricity is accessible to them.
