Consumers who buy electricity from municipalities can expect higher bills, as the National Energy Regulator has approved a tariff hike of 12.7 percent for Eskom's direct customers and 11.3 percent for municipal customers.
However, the price increases may not stop there. Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has warned that municipalities could raise rates further, potentially adding to the financial burden on consumers.
For Johannesburg’s pre-paid customers, another potential tariff increase could be added to the existing R230 monthly electricity surcharge.
Despite the looming price hikes, the minister assured that City Power’s plans to transition away from Eskom and purchase electricity from independent power producers would not negatively impact Eskom’s balance sheet.