Public Outcry Over Eskom’s Proposed Tariff Hikes
South Africans are grappling with the tough choice of either putting food on the table or keeping the lights on as electricity costs continue to soar.
This pressing issue came to the forefront during public hearings in the Western Cape, initiated by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) on Monday.
The hearings largely featured public opposition to Eskom’s proposed tariff increases amid the nation’s ongoing economic struggles.
Eskom has requested total revenues of R446 billion, R495 billion, and R537 billion for the financial years 2026, 2027, and 2028, respectively.
These figures translate into steep tariff increases: 36.15% for 2025-2026, 11.81% for 2026-2027, and 9.10% for 2027-2028.
The power utility justifies the hikes as a step toward financial sustainability and cost-reflective pricing.
Nersa will finalise Eskom’s approved revenue after completing its analysis and hosting public consultations across the country.
Public Outcry Against Tariff Hikes
During the hearings, Nhlanhla Ngidi, head of energy at the South African Local Government Association (Salga), emphasised a growing mistrust among the public.
He pointed to the fragile state of the energy sector and an underperforming economy, calling for alternative subsidy models and phased tariff increases to help alleviate the burden on consumers.
Xanthea Limberg, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, described Eskom’s pricing as “unaffordable, unfair, and disconnected from the economic realities households and businesses face.”
She warned of a ripple effect on municipal finances, service delivery, and social support programs.
The hearings also included emotional accounts from citizens who are struggling to cope.
Mitchells Plain resident Joan Asia shared her daily struggles: “Every increase means less food, more stress and the difficult choice between food on the table or keeping the lights on.”
Asia explained how her family has turned to gas as a cheaper yet riskier alternative and called on Nersa to reconsider Eskom’s proposal.
Speakers at the hearings urged Eskom to prioritise cost reductions and explore alternative energy solutions.
They criticised the utility for repeatedly seeking tariff hikes without addressing inefficiencies or offering meaningful relief to struggling communities.
The public hearings will continue in the Western Cape on Tuesday as Nersa gathers further input before making its decision on Eskom’s proposed increases.