Thapelo Molefe
Parliament has agreed to the DA’s proposal to examine Eskom’s proposed 36% rise in electricity tariffs that was given the green light by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
DA’s spokesperson on electricity and energy, Kevin Mileham, said on Monday that the debate will focus on the NERSA decision to allow Eskom to recover an additional R8 billion next year through a “make-up tariff” known as a “regulatory clearing account,” which will allow Eskom to collect an additional R8 billion to compensate for revenue shortfalls in previous years.
This follows confirmation by the National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza that the DA debate will proceed, requesting parliament specifically to consider the legality of Eskom being allowed to add a “make-up tariff” next year to every user’s billing.
Mileham said that a parliamentary programming meeting is scheduled for later this week, and they are anticipating the actual debate to take place next week.
The DA has launched a petition against Eskom’s high electricity hike, and it’s gaining momentum.
Mileham said over 12 000 South Africans have signed the petition to Parliament against the proposed 40% electricity tariff increase by Eskom.
He said this demonstrated a widespread public concern over the effect that the proposed tariff increases will have on household incomes, businesses, and the economy.
“Should NERSA grant Eskom’s request for a 36,15% tariff increase in 2025 In addition to the 4% that it wants to levy on consumers through its Regulatory Clearing Account, many households will be priced out of the electricity market and forced to abandon electricity use altogether,” he said.
He said that these out-of-control tariffs will devastate local economies and may result in job losses, aggravating the unemployment crisis.
“Double-digit tariff increases will keep inflationary pressures high and force consumers to choose between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table,” he said.
Mileham said that the burden of Eskom’s operational inefficiencies should not fall on hardworking South Africans.
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