The Lesotho Electricity Authority (LEA) will increase electricity charges by 12 percent with effect from April 01.

The decision was taken at the LEA meeting held at the Company's board room on Tuesday after scrutiny of the Lesotho Electricity Company's power increase proposal by 35 percent for the financial year 2008/09.

According to the new tariffs adjustment released by the board, the electricity charge for domestic consumers and street lighting have been increased by 12 percent, while the energy charge for general purpose consumers is decreased by three percent.

Increase in electricity charge aims to strike the balance of the high costs of electricity as compared to demands.

Furthermore, it shows that the electrification levy is increased to M0.015 for large customers and M0.003/ kWh for domestic, general purpose and street lighting customers.

The customer levy, it says is increased by M0.001/ kWh for all customers. Figures exclude Value Added Tax (VAT).

Source: LENA 25/03/2008