Two Eskom contracted security guards have been arrested for stealing cables. Photo: Eskom
‘Anti-poor decision’: EFF slams 9.6% electricity hike approval by NERSA
The EFF said the decision by NERSA is a cruel addition to the misery of the poor and small businesses will suffer.
Two Eskom contracted security guards have been arrested for stealing cables. Photo: Eskom
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has rejected the National Energy Regulator South Africa’s (NERSA) decision to grant a 9.61% increase to the cost of electricity.
The party said the decision is a cruel addition to the misery of the poor, considering the depressing levels of unemployment, increasing cost of living and a dwindling economy.
EFF REJECTS TARIFF INCREASE APPROVAL BY NERSA
Initially, Eskom applied for a 20.5% tariff increase, however NERSA granted a 9.61% increase for the 2022/23 financial year which will come into effect from 1 April this year.
The EFF said the hike comes in a context where the country is still subjected to rolling blackouts and insecurity around electricity supply.
“The increase which is lower than the ridiculous request by Eskom which was 20.5%, is by no means a reprieve. It means that low-income, black households will struggle to make ends meet and small businesses which are still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic will suffer.
“It must not be the responsibility of ordinary people to rescue Eskom from blatant mismanagement, by paying more for a basic need such as electricity. The fact that those at the helm at Eskom seek to service their debt obligations and maximise profits at the expense of citizens, is a shameful indication of a government that has abandoned its mandate to cater for services for all.”
Economic Freedom Fighters
In January, the Democratic Alliance (DA) launched an online petition against Eskom’s 20.5% tariff increase. Close to 40 000 people signed it in its first few days.
The party said Eskom’s inability to provide a regular supply of electricity to consumers made the entity’s demand for a massive tariff increase not only outrageous but also out of touch with the rising cost of living for the average South African consumer.
Various municipalities including the City of Tshwane, City of Johannesburg and City of Cape Town amongst others rejected Eskom’s proposal.
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