These Mayors Are Uniting to Fight Against NERSA and Eskom’s Electricity Price Hikes

Statement by Helen Zille – DA Federal Council Chairperson:

Mayors leading Democratic Alliance (DA) local governments have begun a coordinated action to oppose the exorbitant electricity tariff increases proposed by Eskom. They are calling on the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to reject these hikes.

Mayors from municipalities including Drakenstein, Langeberg, Swellendam, Breede Valley and the Cape Winelands District have so far formally written to NERSA, demanding an immediate halt to proposed increases of up to 9.01%–10.5%.

The people of South Africa cannot carry the burden of Eskom’s failures. This action by DA mayors shows that the financial struggles of the community are a serious matter to the DA because we care about the rising cost of living and will fight it in all ways we can.

These submissions make it clear that Eskom’s own financial disclosures show an improved position, with indications of a return to profitability. Despite this, consumers are being asked to absorb above-inflation increases for at least the next two years.

This contradiction raises serious concerns about the justification for the tariff application and underscores the need for NERSA to act in the public interest.

Residents have already endured more than a decade of rolling blackouts, escalating electricity costs, and declining service reliability. The continued pattern of passing inefficiencies and governance failures onto consumers is both unfair and economically damaging.

Households are under pressure, small businesses are struggling to remain viable, and municipalities are being placed in an increasingly untenable position between Eskom’s pricing and community affordability.

The DA further supports calls for a transparent, meaningful, and accessible public participation process.

Communities must be given a genuine opportunity to engage in decisions that directly impact their cost of living. Anything less would undermine public trust in the regulatory process.

Importantly, this collective action by DA mayors demonstrates what cooperative governance should look like, leaders working together across municipalities to defend residents and advocate for fairness.

The DA will continue to support these efforts at all levels of government. Where necessary, we will escalate this matter through parliamentary oversight to ensure that both Eskom and NERSA are held accountable.

South Africans should not be forced to pay more for less. It is time to put an end to unjustified tariff hikes and to prioritise affordability.

DA mayors and DA governments are fighting for you, for lower electricity prices.