Electricity tariff hike another blow to SAns, say advocacy groups
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa approved the 12.7% tariff increase to start in April after Eskom's plea for a 36% increase was rejected.
Picture: Aekkarak Thongjiew/123rf.com
CAPE TOWN - Social justice advocates have slammed the 12.7% electricity tariff hike, which effectively started this week, saying it is another blow for South Africans already struggling to make ends meet.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved the 12.7% tariff increase to start in April after Eskom's plea for a 36% increase was rejected.
Community activists are now urging government to invest in a transition to renewable energy as a more affordable alternative.
Social justice groups said the electricity tariff increase will push poor South Africans further into an already tight corner.
Earthlife Africa's Thabo Sibeko says the 12.7% increase, which kicked in earlier this week, is the price poor South Africans have to pay for Eskom’s mismanagement and failure to modernise.
Sibeko said government should urgently invest in a swift transition to renewable energy.
"We also feel that it's high time for Eskom to transition to low-carbon energy, such as renewable energy, in order to avoid further increases in electricity prices."
In the same vein, community activist Natasha Gertze says even a 2% increase is an extra burden for people who are already struggling to make ends meet.
"The residents are already suffering. They are suffering and they actually need relief, no increase. Even though it's two percent it makes it worse."
But Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokoena says the electricity price increase is vital for the power utility.
"The adjustment is critical for generating the revenue required to ensure the efficient production and delivery of electricity, recover costs and secure reasonable return."
Mokoena says Eskom remains committed to protecting electricity affordability and acknowledges the public concern around the increased tariff.
Earlier this week, Minister of Forestry, Fishing and the Environment Dion George encouraged Eskom to submit an annual report detailing its progress on integrating renewable energy into the grid.