DA Mobilizes South Africans to Contest Eskom’s Proposed 40% Electricity Tariff Hike

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has initiated a vigorous campaign to oppose Eskom’s staggering request for a 40% electricity tariff hike, scheduled to be in effect from April 1, 2025. With the decision resting in the hands of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), the DA has made its stance clear, stating the proposed increase is unmanageable for millions of South Africans already grappling with a harsh cost-of-living crisis.

In a bid to bolster its fight, the DA has set up a public petition open to all South Africans, a move complemented by formal written objections to Nersa from the DA's caucus of mayors. The national spokesperson for the DA, Willie Aucamp, highlighted the untenable position many would face if forced to choose between essentials like food and meeting the costs of the new electricity rates.

Addressing the issue, Aucamp also shed light on Eskom's strategy of implementing a retrospective surcharge next year to recover revenue shortfalls from the current year—a tactic he views as unsustainable and punishing to consumers.

Reflecting on Eskom’s patterns of increases, Aucamp reminded the public of the 450% price surge since 2007 and underscored the declining demand for Eskom's electricity as a critical factor in rejecting the proposed 'make-up tariff'. He argued that the electricity monopoly should not burden consumers further with its operational inefficiencies.

Demonstrating its commitment to challenge the proposed tariff hike, the DA has put forward an urgent debate on electricity prices in the South African Parliament. The DA’s national spokesperson reiterated the call for citizens to lend their voices to the battle against what he termed as “daylight robbery and a power grab” by Eskom.

Aucamp emphasized that the DA will not let this situation to go uncontested, calling on South Africans to take action by signing the petition. The act of solidarity, according to the DA, could tip the scales in favor of households across the nation already under financial strain.

The DA's public petition is a testament to the party’s push for accountability and its advocacy for fair energy pricing structures. As Nersa deliberates on the proposed rate increase, the outcome will have lasting impacts on South Africa's economic stability and the livelihood of its citizens.