Investigating The Factors Affecting Revenue Collection: A Case Study Of Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor Company

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that affect revenue collection at Erongo RED. The Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs) in Namibia face numerous non-technical problems of which inadequate revenue collection is one (Von Oertzen, 2009). The researcher used a descriptive survey research design which uses both the quantitative and qualitative methods in conjunction with data collection instruments such as questionnaires and interview guides, with a sample of 120 respondents. The research participants in the study were employees and customers of Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor Company (Erongo RED). The results obtained from the study highlighted the key factors that were considered the causes of inadequate revenue collection such as non-technical losses which include- inaccurate billing, illegal connection and tampering with meters, among others. The study recommends that future researchers should attempt to develop revenue protection and recovery strategies for REDs in Namibia and also compare if what they find is what is happening in other Africa countries and in global communities. It would also be research worthy to establish if other REDs in Namibia experience the same challenges as far as revenue collection is concerned.