Ezra Defies Kiir’s Order, Refuses to Cut Juba Electricity Tariffs ‎

‎Juba, South Sudan (2 October 2025) 

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Ezra Construction and Development Group, the primary electricity provider servicing Juba, has formally declined to implement a recent presidential decree lowering electricity tariffs and associated fees. 

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The company has instead called for renewed dialogue with the government to resolve outstanding issues.

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‎Presidential Order Versus Contractual Commitment

‎In his Republican Order last week, President Salva Kiir directed that:

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‎The $3 monthly service fee be abolished

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‎The standard new‐connection fee be slashed from $320 to $128

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‎The low-voltage extension fee be reduced from nearly $1,000 to $399 

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‎However, in a memo dated 1 October 2025 addressed to the Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO), Ezra instructed the utility not to act on the order. 

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The company insists that operations must continue under the existing contractual framework. 

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‎Ezra cited “uncertainty over the decree’s implementation and risks to its investments” as primary reasons for the refusal. 

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The company emphasized the need to protect its financial sustainability while also acknowledging the government’s fiscal constraints. 

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‎Call for Negotiations

‎Rather than outright defiance, Ezra is pushing for “urgent discussions” with the Ministry of Energy and the South Sudan Electricity Corporation, seeking clarity and what it describes as “mutually agreeable arrangements.” 

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‎What’s at Stake

‎Consumers & households would benefit from lower monthly costs and easier access to electricity.

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‎Ezra, on the other hand, faces pressure to remain financially viable, especially if revenue streams are cut without compensating support.

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‎The government aims to reassure constituents by relieving the cost burden, but its ability to sustain reduced fees is in question.

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‎Outlook

‎The standoff sets the stage for a high-stakes negotiation. If Ezra and the government fail to reach a consensus, the presidential order may remain stuck in limbo with continued tariffs unchanged despite the political directive.