Activists oppose Eskom's proposed 8.8% electricity hike
Activists and communities are taking their opposition to Eskom’s proposed 8.8% electricity tariff increase to NERSA with a demonstration planned outside its Pretoria offices. They argue that struggling households cannot afford higher electricity costs.
Communities are taking their fight over electricity prices to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), with activists demanding affordable power and an end to tariff hikes.
Earthlife Africa and community activists staged a placard demonstration outside NERSA’s head office in Pretoria this morning. They’re opposing Eskom’s proposed 8.8% increase, saying that already struggling households cannot afford to pay more for electricity.
They're questioning why consumers should pay more when Eskom reported a R30 billion profit in the previous financial year. If approved, the hike would take effect in April for Eskom customers, while municipal customers would face an increase from July.
The proposed increase would push the average electricity price from 240.28c to 261.50c per unit, an increase of 21.22c. The public has until 4pm today to submit their comments on the proposal, with a public hearing scheduled for next Thursday.
NERSA is expected to make its final decision on 26 November.
Meanwhile, Water supply is gradually being restored to parts of eThekwini that were affected by a shutdown of the Southern Aqueduct pipeline. The Municipality says the pipeline's now being charged as the water network is progressively brought back online, following delays yesterday.
While some communities have started receiving water, the city says others may only have supply fully restored by tomorrow. Residents are being warned that low pressure and intermittent supply may continue during the recovery period. Affected areas include Westville, Pinetown, Queensburgh, Chatsworth and Umlazi.
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