The objective of this thesis has first of all been to determine how the existing in-stitutional structure of the Namibian electricity sector has evolved and in what way this influences the sector. An additional purpose has been to establish how future demand will be met and if a new institutional structure will evolve. To achieve this a model developed from the new institutional theories has been applied in analysing the findings of a study conducted in Namibia in April-May 1996. It is concluded that before independence the electricity sector was immen-sely influenced by the goals set up by the South African apartheid regime. After 1990 the objectives have changed, but the process of change have been impeded for various reasons, one of which has been NamPower. Future demand is most likely to be met through the commissioning of the Epupa hydroelectric scheme and possibly through the utilisation of Kudu gas for electricity generation. The enacting of a new Electricity Act will provide the basis for a new institutional structure.