Ekurhuleni ANC Opposes Eskom's Proposed Tariff Hike Amid Cost of Living Concerns
The African National Congress (ANC) in Ekurhuleni has formally opposed Eskom's proposed electricity tariff hike, warning that the increase would exacerbate the already dire cost of living crisis. The party submitted a petition to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) at its Pretoria offices on Thursday, urging the energy regulator to consider a Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based tariff adjustment instead of Eskom's steep proposal.
Eskom has applied for a 36.15% tariff increase for the 2025 fiscal year, followed by hikes of 11.81% in 2027 and 9.10% in 2028. These proposals are currently open for public comment, and residents across South Africa have expressed concern over the severe financial strain these increases would impose.
The ANC in Ekurhuleni emphasized the dire consequences of the proposed hikes, particularly for residents and businesses already grappling with high unemployment and economic challenges. The petition highlighted that the tariffs would "financially cripple" the region's most vulnerable communities.
Sejo Mfeka, a member of the ANC's Regional Task Team (RTT), addressed Nersa officials during the submission, calling on the regulator to consider the hardships faced by the people of Ekurhuleni. Mfeka urged Nersa to hold public hearings in the region, especially in townships and informal settlements, to ensure inclusive participation.
In addition to the tariff hike, residents are facing another pressing issue: Eskom's November 24 deadline to update prepaid electricity meters to a new system. Over two million households are scrambling to meet the deadline, with widespread frustration over long queues and delays in upgrading the meters.
Tragically, a man from Soweto reportedly died while waiting in line to update his meter at the Orlando East Communal Hall, further underscoring the challenges residents face during this transition.
As Nersa continues its public consultations on Eskom's tariff application, the ANC's petition reflects growing discontent over energy costs and the broader cost of living crisis impacting South Africans.
Eskom has applied for a 36.15% tariff increase for the 2025 fiscal year, followed by hikes of 11.81% in 2027 and 9.10% in 2028. These proposals are currently open for public comment, and residents across South Africa have expressed concern over the severe financial strain these increases would impose.
The ANC in Ekurhuleni emphasized the dire consequences of the proposed hikes, particularly for residents and businesses already grappling with high unemployment and economic challenges. The petition highlighted that the tariffs would "financially cripple" the region's most vulnerable communities.
Sejo Mfeka, a member of the ANC's Regional Task Team (RTT), addressed Nersa officials during the submission, calling on the regulator to consider the hardships faced by the people of Ekurhuleni. Mfeka urged Nersa to hold public hearings in the region, especially in townships and informal settlements, to ensure inclusive participation.
In addition to the tariff hike, residents are facing another pressing issue: Eskom's November 24 deadline to update prepaid electricity meters to a new system. Over two million households are scrambling to meet the deadline, with widespread frustration over long queues and delays in upgrading the meters.
Tragically, a man from Soweto reportedly died while waiting in line to update his meter at the Orlando East Communal Hall, further underscoring the challenges residents face during this transition.
As Nersa continues its public consultations on Eskom's tariff application, the ANC's petition reflects growing discontent over energy costs and the broader cost of living crisis impacting South Africans.
