South Africans Stand Against Energy Poverty

Dear Editor

As the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) petition against Eskom’s proposed tariff increases gains over 100 000 signatures, the message from South Africans is clear: they will not accept a future where electricity is unaffordable for the average household. While government officials celebrate over 200 days without load-shedding, the grim reality remains that millions of South Africans cannot afford the electricity they technically have access to.

Currently, approximately 45% of South African households face energy poverty. Research confirms that affordability is the leading cause of this crisis, with Eskom’s tariffs having increased by about 600% in real terms since 2007.

Eskom now aims to hike electricity costs by an unprecedented 36% for 2025/26, followed by further increases of 12% in 2026/27 and 9% in 2027/28, a 60% jump in three years. If approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), these increases will inevitably deepen energy poverty and push more households into financial distress.

In its latest application, Eskom seeks an additional 36.15% tariff increase, which could force many South Africans into an impossible choice between feeding their families or keeping the lights on. Adding insult to injury, NERSA has already approved a 4% increase for 2024, enabling Eskom to collect an extra R8 billion to recover revenue losses from this year, bringing the total proposed hike to over 40%.

The DA is fighting these hikes head-on. We have mobilised a National Day of Action, held an urgent debate in Parliament, and challenged the tariff structure through DA-led local governments who are standing up to NERSA on behalf of their residents.

The DA believes Eskom’s cost-recovery model must be completely and intelligently overhauled, and we urgently call on the government to prioritise a large-scale shift to renewable energy to foster an inclusive energy transition that leaves no South African behind.

Massive price increases and a counterproductive “make-up” tariff to cover declining demand have pushed families to the brink. The time for action is now. South Africans refuse to accept a future where they cannot afford essential electricity.

Regards

Kevin Mileham MP
DA Spokesperson on Energy and Electricity