By Chris Gilili – the original post was first published on Elitsha: summary by Vuka.news
Criticism of Proposed Eskom Tariff Hikes
- Residents and civil society groups heavily opposed Eskom’s proposed 40% electricity tariff increase during Nersa’s Cape Town public hearings.
- Many residents, especially from low-income areas like Gugulethu and Mitchells Plain, said they cannot afford higher electricity costs.
- Bulelwa Seti, a Gugulethu resident: “I am an unemployed mother of three kids… I cannot afford to spend over R300 on electricity.”
- Betty Wilson, a Mitchell’s Plain resident: “I have to decide whether I buy bread and not have electricity. This will worsen our suffering.”
Nersa’s Role and Process
- Nersa is holding public hearings across South Africa until early December to gather feedback on Eskom’s tariff proposal.
- A decision on the tariff hike will be announced on 20 December 2024.
- Charles Hlebela, Nersa spokesperson: “We want to get views and comments… These comments will be taken into consideration by the energy regulator.”
Eskom’s Justification for the Increase
- Eskom said the hike is necessary to fund coal supply and maintain electricity supply.
- Transitioning to renewable energy is a goal but will take time and government support.
- Caleb Cassim, Eskom representative: “Eskom cannot solve the challenges it’s faced with alone.”
Opposition from Grassroots Organisations
- Cry of the Xcluded condemned the hikes, stating they would worsen energy poverty in South Africa. “Rising tariffs deepen energy poverty and force families to choose between electricity and food.”
- Their demands include:
- Stopping electricity privatisation.
- Transparency in Eskom operations.
- Universal free electricity of 350 kWh per month.
- Investments in renewable energy and local manufacturing.
Next Steps
- Nersa hearings will continue in several cities, including Durban, Bloemfontein, and Midrand, over the coming weeks.
