NERSA Approves Eskom Tariff Increase: What It Means For South Africans
- The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has green-lighted a tariff hike for Eskom.
- While Eskom initially sought a 36.15% increase, NERSA settled on a 12.7% hike.
- Many South Africans are frustrated, claiming they're already struggling to pay their electricity bills.
Let’s be real, folks. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approving an electricity tariff increase has set the internet ablaze with frustration. People are not holding back their thoughts, and social media is flooded with complaints. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the real-life impact on everyday South Africans.
On Thursday, January 30, 2025, NERSA dropped the bomb: they approved a 12.7% tariff hike for Eskom. Now, before you think that’s the worst of it, let me remind you that the new rates kick in on April 1, 2025. That gives us just a few months to brace ourselves for higher electricity bills. But hey, at least it’s not the 36.15% Eskom originally asked for, right?
Eskom’s Bigger Ask and NERSA’s Compromise
Now, let’s break this down. When Eskom first submitted its multi-year price determination revenue application, they weren’t shy about asking for a massive 36.15% increase for the 2025/2026 financial year. They also requested an 11.81% bump for 2026/2027 and a 9.10% hike for 2027/2028. But NERSA stepped in, saying, “Not so fast.” Instead, they approved a more modest 12.7% increase for 2025/2026, followed by a 5.36% hike for 2026/2027 and a 6.19% increase for 2027/2028.
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While this might sound like a win for consumers, it’s important to remember that even these “reduced” numbers still mean higher electricity bills. And let’s be honest, with load-shedding and other economic challenges, South Africans are already stretched thin. Adding more financial strain isn’t exactly music to anyone’s ears.
South Africans React: A Wave of Frustration
Social media lit up faster than you can say “load-shedding.” People from all walks of life chimed in, expressing their anger and disbelief. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the reality of trying to make ends meet in a tough economy. Let’s take a look at what some South Africans had to say:
Sedick Abrahams voiced his concerns:
“People, it’s high time that we need to stand up against this high price for power, whereas some people are just getting it for free.”
Salman Ahjum-Mathee added his thoughts:
“This is so unjustified. Whether there has been load-shedding or not, it does not justify constant tariff hikes like this. People’s salaries probably remain the same, but expenses increase. To the government, make this make sense because I’m sure to all of us it makes no sense at all.”
Schalk Cornelessen summed up the frustration many are feeling:
“This is getting ridiculous. We can’t afford this anymore. 🙄”
@visse_ss had some strong words:
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“Once again, Eskom’s tariff hike request has been dramatically toned down, but the reality is clear, South Africans are still left paying the price for years of mismanagement and corruption. NERSA’s approval only puts a band-aid on a broken system, while we continue to face power outages and rising costs.”
@Ketso28 shared his perspective:
“In an extremely poor country, tariff hikes are just an economic burden. We can barely afford electricity as it is. Just a couple of months back there was an introduction of a compulsory R200 service charge by the City of Johannesburg. Yoh, no wonder illegal connections are rife everywhere.”
@lesiba_keetse was blunt:
“This is not going to end well.”
@Malome10 echoed the sentiment:
“I think it’s time we stand up.”
@Gerrard8_Xavi6 couldn’t hide his frustration:
“We are currently struggling to buy electricity, then NERSA decides to approve tariff increases 🚮.”
Minister Admits: Electricity Costs Are Out of Reach
Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity, admitted during the African National Congress’s lekgotla in Mpumalanga on January 26, 2025, that the average South African simply cannot afford electricity. It’s a harsh reality that many have been living with for years. The minister assured the public that electricity prices wouldn’t skyrocket by the 35% Eskom initially requested, but that doesn’t change the fact that even a 12.7% increase is tough to swallow.
As reported by Briefly News, the minister’s comments reflect a growing awareness of the financial strain on South African households. But the question remains: how much more can people afford before the system breaks completely?
