Juba, September 26, 2025
In a landmark decision that could significantly ease the financial strain on South Sudanese citizens, President Salva Kiir Mayardit has ordered the reduction of electricity tariffs charged by the Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO).
The announcement was made on Friday evening through the state broadcaster, South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), sparking relief and cautious optimism across the capital.
The move comes after months of mounting public frustration over the high cost of electricity, which has been a major burden for households and small businesses already grappling with economic hardship.
The Presidential Order
In his directive, President Kiir emphasized that access to affordable electricity is a basic right and an essential driver of social and economic development.
“This order is meant to ensure that electricity services are accessible and affordable to our people,” SSBC quoted the President’s message as saying. “No citizen should be forced to live in darkness or close their business simply because electricity is unaffordable.”
Although the exact percentage of the tariff reduction was not disclosed during the broadcast, officials from the Ministry of Energy and Dams are expected to work with JEDCO to immediately review and implement the new pricing structure.
Sources close to the ministry hinted that the reduction could be substantial, targeting both household and business consumers.
Public Reaction
The announcement was met with an outpouring of reactions from residents of Juba. Many welcomed the order as a long-awaited relief.
Mary Nyadak, a single mother who runs a small tea shop in Konyo-Konyo market, told reporters that electricity bills had eaten into her already meager earnings.
“Sometimes I spend more money on electricity tokens than on the goods I sell,” she said. “If the President has reduced the cost, it means I can save something for my children’s school fees.”
Similarly, small manufacturing businesses, including welding shops and water bottling plants, expressed optimism that reduced tariffs would improve their production capacity.
“This is a lifeline for us,” said James Ojulu, owner of a welding workshop in Gudele. “Electricity costs are the biggest challenge for small industries. With lower tariffs, we can hire more workers and expand.”
Economic Context
South Sudan has been battling severe economic challenges in recent years, including high inflation, currency depreciation, and widespread unemployment.
The South Sudanese Pound (SSP) has continued to lose value against the US dollar, making imported goods and essential services increasingly expensive.
Electricity in Juba, distributed solely by JEDCO, has long been one of the most expensive in the region.
Many families have had to resort to kerosene lamps or small generators, while businesses spend a large portion of their income on power bills.
Economists say the President’s directive could ease household spending pressures and inject new energy into the local economy.
“Affordable electricity is not just a social good it’s an economic catalyst,” said Dr. Simon Duku, an economist at the University of Juba. “This decision could stimulate small-scale industries, reduce inflationary pressures on basic services, and enhance productivity.”
JEDCO’s Role and Challenges
JEDCO, a joint venture between Ezra Construction and Development Group (a private company) and the Government of South Sudan, has been the sole electricity distributor in Juba since 2019.
The company generates and distributes power primarily from diesel-powered generators.
High operation costs, dependence on imported fuel, and a weak national grid have contributed to JEDCO’s steep tariffs. A unit of electricity in Juba often costs between $0.35 to $0.45 (USD) significantly higher than in neighboring countries like Uganda and Kenya.
The new order from President Kiir is expected to force JEDCO to either restructure its operations or seek government subsidies to bridge the revenue gap created by the reduced tariffs.
In a brief statement issued Friday night, JEDCO said it “respects the President’s decision” and pledged to work with the Ministry of Energy and Dams to implement the new pricing system.
Political and Social Implications
Analysts believe the tariff reduction order is not only an economic intervention but also a political one. With elections approaching in 2025, President Kiir is under pressure to demonstrate responsiveness to citizens’ grievances.
“The President understands that people are struggling, and this move is both practical and politically savvy,” said Nyenagwek Samuel, a Juba-based political analyst. “Electricity is a daily necessity, and reducing tariffs directly touches the lives of ordinary citizens. It could boost public confidence in his leadership.”
Civil society organizations have also welcomed the directive, describing it as a step towards reducing inequality.
“Access to affordable energy is a human right,” said Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO). “We hope this decision will be followed by broader reforms in the energy sector to ensure long-term sustainability.”
Looking Ahead
While the announcement has raised hopes, questions remain about the sustainability of the tariff cuts.
With JEDCO heavily reliant on expensive imported diesel and the government struggling with budget deficits, the long-term financing of cheaper electricity will be a challenge.
Some experts argue that the government should use this opportunity to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar and hydroelectric power, which could provide cheaper and more sustainable electricity in the future.
“Reducing tariffs is good, but it must be accompanied by structural reforms,” said engineer Bol Akol, an energy consultant. “South Sudan has vast potential for solar and hydropower.
If we invest now, we can provide affordable electricity not only to Juba but to the whole country.”
For now, however, citizens are celebrating what they see as an overdue intervention.
“This is a victory for the people,” said market vendor Ayen Garang. “We have been crying about electricity for years. At last, someone has listened.”
Conclusion
President Kiir’s order to reduce JEDCO tariffs marks a significant turning point in South Sudan’s energy landscape. While implementation challenges remain, the directive has brought immediate hope to households and businesses that have long struggled under the weight of high power bills.
Whether this decision translates into lasting change will depend on how swiftly the government and JEDCO act and whether the cuts can be sustained in the face of the country’s fragile economy.
For now, many in Juba see light both literally and figuratively at the end of the tunnel.
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