Juba – In a move aimed at easing the cost of electricity for consumers, the Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO) has officially announced a 13% reduction in electricity tariffs across all customer categories, effective immediately.
The adjustment follows a directive from the Ministry of Energy and Dams and is in compliance with the National Electricity Act of 2016. According to JEDCO, the tariff cut is a result of discounted rates from Ezra Thermal Power Generation, which supplies a significant portion of electricity to the capital.
“This adjustment is part of our ongoing commitment to delivering affordable and reliable electricity to our valued customers,” said Mr. Wondimu Tenkir, Managing Director of JEDCO, in a statement issued by the company Tuesday.
The revised electricity tariff structure shows that residential customers whose electricity usage is 100 kWh or less will pay $0.303 per kWh, while those using more than 100 kWh will pay $0.316 per kWh.
On the other hand, government institutions will be charged $0.328/kWh, commercial entities will pay $0.348/kWh, and industrial companies will pay $0.348/kWh.
The tariff adjustment comes as South Sudan continues to struggle with some of the lowest electricity access rates in the world.
According to recent data from the World Bank and regional energy reports, less than 10% of South Sudan’s population has access to electricity, with most rural areas entirely off the grid.
In contrast, neighboring East African countries have made significant strides. Thanks to robust investment in renewable energy and grid extension programs, Kenya boasts an electricity access rate of over 75%. Uganda has achieved over 50% national access, while Rwanda is approaching 70% as it aggressively pursues off-grid solutions alongside national grid expansion.
Electricity in South Sudan remains expensive despite government subsidies and donor-backed infrastructure projects. In previous years, households and businesses in Juba reported paying as much as $0.40 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour, a figure significantly higher than the regional average.
JEDCO’s decision to lower tariffs could help ease this burden, especially for low-income households and small businesses that have struggled with high operating costs. However, broader structural investments in generation and transmission will be key to expanding access beyond urban centers like Juba.
