BPC P150m smart meter tender hits turbulence
A growing internal battle over the Botswana Power Corporation’s (BPC) P150 million smart meter tender is threatening to further delay the rollout of electricity meters across the country, even as the utility grapples with a significant installation backlog.
Information reaching Botswana Guardian indicates that Tender No. 7392/25-01 for the Supply and Delivery of Single-Phase Split Smart Meters, Three-Phase Split Smart Meters and Customer Interface Units remains under evaluation months after bids closed on 18 February 2026.
The prolonged adjudication process has sparked concern within the corporation amid reports that BPC is struggling to meet demand for smart meters nationwide.
Sources familiar with the matter say BPC is currently only able to install approximately 1000 meters a month for countrywide deployment, a figure understood to be significantly below current demand levels. The shortage has reportedly contributed to a growing backlog of customers awaiting meter installations.
“The backlog is becoming a serious concern. The tender was supposed to address some of these challenges, but the process is taking longer than expected,” a source familiar with the developments said.
Botswana Guardian has further established that the matter has now attracted the attention of the BPC Board, which is understood to be keen for the tender process to be concluded as quickly as possible to enable the corporation to address the mounting demand for smart meters. However, sources allege that there is resistance from certain quarters within the corporation.
According to information gathered by this publication, some officials within BPC’s Metering Department and Procurement Division have proposed that the tender be cancelled and re-advertised.
Industry players warn that cancelling the tender at this advanced stage could trigger objections from bidders who have already invested considerable resources in preparing submissions and participating in the procurement process.
A second proposal allegedly being considered involves splitting the tender among three contractors. Sources say such a move could prove controversial because the Invitation to Tender (ITT) did not provide for a multi-award arrangement.
Procurement experts caution that any departure from the original tender conditions could expose the corporation to legal challenges from unsuccessful bidders.
The latest developments come against the backdrop of an already contentious procurement process that has attracted scrutiny over repeated deadline extensions and amendments to bid requirements.
Botswana Guardian previously reported that two citizen-owned companies - Hope Tee Energy and Energy Integrated Tech Solutions (Pty) Ltd - had emerged as frontrunners in the competition.
Particular attention has focused on Energy Integrated Tech Solutions after it emerged that its directors, Keabetswe Mathake and Thatayaone Mothibi, previously worked within BPC’s procurement structures before leaving the corporation in late 2024.
The company was subsequently registered in February 2025 and entered the energy solutions market. While no evidence has emerged suggesting wrongdoing on the part of the company or its directors, some industry players have questioned whether former procurement officials bidding for a major BPC contract creates a potential conflict-of-interest perception that requires careful management.
The company has previously declined to comment on concerns raised by competitors and has neither confirmed nor denied its interest in the tender.
Hope Tee Energy has similarly declined to discuss its participation in the tender, stating only that it remains open to doing business with relevant stakeholders.
With pressure mounting to resolve the national smart meter shortage, attention is now turning to whether BPC will proceed with the evaluation process, cancel and re-tender the contract, or pursue an alternative procurement route.
A questionnaire sent to BPC in March this year still remains unanswered to date. Botswana Guardian had sought clarification on the status of the tender, the reported smart meter backlog, allegations of internal resistance to the award process, and concerns surrounding bidders linked to former BPC officials.