Cape Town – Public hearings held by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) in Gauteng have seen widespread opposition to Eskom’s proposed 36% electricity tariff hike for the 2025/2026 financial year, as well as additional increases of 11% and 9% in subsequent years.
According to SABC News, community members and organisations raised concerns about affordability, saying that many households face tough choices between basic necessities like food and electricity.
Issues related to poor service quality and infrastructure maintenance were also highlighted, the report said.
Nersa Chairperson Nomfundo Maseti noted that the hearings have gathered substantial public input nationwide and will conclude in Durban this weekend, with a decision on the tariff application expected by the end of the month.
Last month, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis strongly opposed the proposed electricity tariff hikes calling them unaffordable and harmful to South Africans.
Speaking at a public hearing held by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), Winde warned that the increases would “take food off our tables” and worsen poverty, citing already high living costs and inflation.
🚨 South Africans cannot afford Eskom’s 40% electricity price hike proposal! Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and the DA are protesting outside the NERSA public hearings.
Make your voice heard too and reject this at https://t.co/L4urNZIv5g#StopElectricityHikes #StopPowerGrab pic.twitter.com/88EJ7LLimV
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) November 18, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
