Eskom substation

Two Eskom contracted security guards have been arrested for stealing cables. Photo: Eskom

Eish! Dark times ahead as Eskom tariffs set to increase by 9.6%

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved a 9.6% tariff increase for Eskom. What does this mean for the consumer?

Eskom substation

Two Eskom contracted security guards have been arrested for stealing cables. Photo: Eskom

In another blow to South Africans’ pockets, Eskom’s tariff increase for 2022/23 will be 9.61%, Nersa announced on Thursday 24 February. The Democratic Alliance (DA) says Eskom will likely challenge this in court.

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ESKOM APPLIED FOR 20.5% TARIFF HIKE 

As per Fin24, the national utility had applied for a 20.5% increase on Monday 21 February, but were granted less than half of their initial request. 

DA WEIGHS IN ON SKYROCKETING COST OF LIVING

According to the DA, this increase may very well be challenged in court by Eskom, but it will still be a blow to South Africans who are already crippled under the skyrocketing cost of living. 

Fuel price increases, food and transport cost increases, consumer price increases, and all government tariffs are bombarding South Africans relentlessly.

WHEN WILL ESKOM TARIFF HIKE TAKE EFFECT? 

The price hikes will take the average electricity tariff in South Africa from just over R1.33 per kWh to around R1.46.

The increase will take effect from 1 April 2022 for Eskom customers. This is separate from the increase that municipal customers can expect to pay which will take effect from 1 July 2022.