The government is set to implement free household electricity connections starting April 2024, aiming to boost electricity access for households, which currently stands at 66 percent, while national village electrification is at 81 percent. During the inauguration of the Mochudi 132/33kV Substation and the connection of river villages to the national grid on February 22, President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi highlighted the need for improved utilization of electricity services, considering the 66 percent access rate by households. To accelerate household connections, the President announced revisions in standard connection fees, reducing them to P5,000 for higher-income households and P2,500 for low to zero income households. Additionally, households earning up to P2,400 per month will have the option for a free ready box supply in cases where wiring costs are unaffordable. President Masisi emphasized the electrification and connection of all gazetted villages in the Kgatleng District to the National Grid by the end of the following month. He noted the significance of this move for rural development, particularly in Kgatleng East, which would mitigate external electricity supply shocks beyond Botswana Power Corporation's control. In addressing the historical dependence on cross-border arrangements with Eskom of South Africa for electricity supply to river villages, President Masisi celebrated the villages' integration into the national grid, citing the benefits for villages like Mabalane, Sikwane, Mmathubudukwane, Ramonaka, Malolwane, Oliphants Drift, and Ramotlabaki. Reflecting on the broader energy development strategy, President Masisi highlighted the completion of several key electricity projects over the past five years aimed at national development objectives. He specifically mentioned initiatives in the Greater Gaborone region, emphasizing the importance of ensuring modern energy services accessibility in line with the National Energy Policy. The President outlined the Transmission Backbone Infrastructure Reinforcement Project, which aimed to alleviate power supply challenges in Tlokweng, Ramotswa, and Mochudi. The completion of the Mochudi 132/33kV Substation and associated transmission overhead line marked a significant milestone in addressing these challenges. Furthermore, the project was completed within budget and without cost overruns, highlighting the efficiency of its execution. BPC CEO, Mr. David Kgoboko, acknowledged the project's significance in addressing network capacity constraints in Kgatleng and thanked the government for its support. Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr. Lefoko Moagi commended BPC for its exemplary performance and reiterated the government's commitment to delivering on promises to its citizens. He encouraged communities to embrace and benefit from such developmental initiatives.