Electricity forum heads to Otjiwarongo

STAFF REPORTER
  • 5 Hours Ago
The Electricity Control Board (ECB) announced the ninth edition of the Namibia Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) Forum, set to take place on 24 October at Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa Region. This year's forum follows an successful event held in Oshakati in 2022. It is poised to gather key stakeholders from across the electricity sector.

It will be graced by mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo, who will officially open the event, along with Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua. Attendees will include the ECB CEO, NamPower managing director, CEOs from regional electricity distributors (REDS), independent power producers, local municipal leaders, farmer schemes and consumer representative bodies, among others.

The theme for this year's forum is 'Delivering the promise: Using smart solutions in an Al-driven environment to improve electricity access, affordability and utilities' sustainability'. It underscores the Namibian ESI's commitment to harnessing innovative technologies to transform the local electricity landscape.

"We are on the brink of a significant shift in how we manage and deliver electricity services," ECB CEO Robert Kahimise said.

One of the key focuses of this year's forum will be the importance of interactive and interconnected systems utilised by electricity licensees.

"The integration of smart solutions and AI-driven programmes is not just an option, it is essential for enhancing electricity access and affordability while ensuring the sustainability of our utilities. Therefore, this forum serves as a crucial platform for us to engage, collaborate and

explore how we can implement these systems effectively for the benefit of our customers," he noted.

"By fostering collaboration and communication among stakeholders, we aim to enhance the overall customer experience and improve service delivery. As we embrace the imminent arrival of Al technologies, it is critical for industry players to start gravitating towards incorporating Al-driven solutions into their operations."

The forum will not only feature engaging discussions and presentations, but will also be streamed live, ensuring that all interested parties in Namibia and beyond can participate in the conversations.

"We invite our stakeholders, including the public, to join us in this pivotal conversation as we work together towards a more sustainable and innovative electricity supply industry. Our commitment is towards collaborative solutions that will elevate the standards of electricity supply across the nation," concluded Kahimise.

The ESI Forum was first held in 2006 and has since taken place on a biennial basis, except in 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.