According to a statement from the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), the update was based on various economic changes and the current electricity generation context, aiming to strengthen Rwanda’s energy self-sufficiency.
RURA explained that, to promote electricity use in households and to ensure universal access, the first consumption tier for households has been increased from 15 kWh to 20 kWh per month while maintaining the same tariff.
To support institutions that provide social welfare services and to enhance their capacity, schools, hospitals, and health centers have been given special, lower electricity tariffs to ease their operations.
Industries continue to benefit from lower electricity tariffs. Additionally, a program has been introduced to incentivize users who operate during off-peak hours when electricity demand is low.
“This new tariff structure supports investment in environmentally friendly infrastructure, including charging stations for electric vehicles (e-mobility), aligning with the country’s goals for climate change mitigation and green economic growth.” RURA stated.
New Electricity Tariffs for Different Consumer Categories
For Households: Households using 0–20 kWh per month will pay 89 RWF per kWh, Households using between 20–50 kWh per month will pay 310 RWF per kWh, Households using more than 50 kWh per month will pay 369 RWF per kWh.
(All prices are VAT-exclusive.)
For Commercial and Mixed-Use Buildings: Those consuming between 0–100 kWh will pay 355 RWF per kWh, those consuming above 100 kWh will pay 376 RWF per kWh.
For Media Outlets (Radio and TV): A flat rate of 276 RWF per kWh, regardless of monthly consumption.
For Schools and Health Facilities: 214 RWF per kWh, for Telecom Towers: 289 RWF per kWh, for hotels using less than 660,000 kWh per year: 239 RWF per kWh.
For Industries and Mining Companies using 5,000 to 100,000 kWh per year,
and Hotels consuming over 660,000 kWh per year, and IT data centers: 175 RWF per kWh.
For Industries and Mining Companies using 100,000 to 1,000,000 kWh per year,
and water treatment and pumping stations: 133 RWF per kWh (VAT exclusive).
Tariffs for Large-Scale Industries
RURA announced the following for large consumers: Industries using over 1,000,000 kWh per year, Shared broadcasting infrastructure consuming from 660,000 kWh upwards per year, charging stations for electric vehicles: Will pay 110 RWF per kWh.
Heavy industries producing cement and steel, and large-scale mining companies using over 1,000,000 kWh per year: Will pay 97 RWF per kWh. These new tariffs will take effect on October 1, 2025.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, stated that electricity tariffs will now be reviewed every four months to ensure they reflect real-time economic conditions.
“Ideally, the tariffs should be reviewed every three to four months to align the cost of electricity with actual generation costs. However, the process was delayed due to COVID-19. That’s why we’re now restarting this tariff review cycle,” said Dr. Gasore.
He added that the new structure takes into account the country’s different economic groups separating households, businesses, and industries to ensure fair and targeted pricing.
He emphasized that: Low-income households previously using up to 15 kWh/month can now use up to 20 kWh at the same affordable rate as before, to support their development, However, for those using more than 20 kWh, the price per kWh has increased by 100 RWF.
Dr. Gasore urged consumers to use electricity wisely:
“We strongly encourage everyone to use electricity efficiently turn off lights during the day, avoid wasteful use of electrical appliances to help reduce both individual and national electricity costs.”
These electricity tariff reforms were approved by the Cabinet Meeting held on September 15, 2025, as part of Rwanda’s long-term energy sustainability strategy.
As of 2025, electricity access has reached 85% of households, a significant rise from below 2% in the year 2000.
