KwaZulu-Natal residents will have their chance to weigh in on Eskom's proposed 36% electricity tariff increase for 2024 during public hearings hosted by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). The two-day hearings are set to begin on Friday morning at Greyville Racecourse in Durban.
The proposal has already drawn sharp criticism from individuals, civil society organizations, and political parties during this week’s hearings in Gauteng. Many argue that the steep hike will place an unbearable financial strain on households and businesses.
Chris Yelland, an electricity advisor for the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), cautioned that approving the increase could lead to cumulative price hikes of up to 66% over the next three years.
“They are referencing an outdated and irrelevant economic impact study to justify these increases,” Yelland said. “We’ve already heard about the devastating implications this will have on industries and various economic activities across South Africa. Their claim that this is beneficial for the economy is simply not credible.”
As the hearings continue, many residents and stakeholders are expected to voice their opposition, highlighting the potential consequences of Eskom’s tariff adjustments on South Africa's fragile economy.