BY: Saneliso Mlambo
The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy has strongly criticized the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) for approving Eskom’s 12.7% electricity tariff increase.
The committee expressed concerns that the hike would place an additional financial burden on South African consumers, particularly in light of the ongoing economic challenges and the country’s energy crisis.
Members of the committee questioned the rationale behind the decision, suggesting that Eskom’s financial management and the broader energy sector’s inefficiencies should be addressed before imposing further costs on consumers.
While NERSA defended the increase as necessary to ensure Eskom’s financial stability and continued operations, the committee called for a more thorough review of Eskom’s operational costs and long-term sustainability measures.
The tariff increase is set to take effect in the coming months, and it remains a contentious issue as South Africans continue to grapple with the impact of load shedding and rising living costs.