Nersa approves Eskom tariff increases for 2026/27
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved Eskom’s retail tariffs and structural adjustment application for the 2026/27 financial year.
Eskom's direct customers will face an average increase of 8.76 per cent from 1 April, while municipalities buying electricity from the power utility will see a 9.01 per cent increase from 1 July.
The regulator’s spokesperson, Charles Hlebela, says the decision followed stakeholder consultations and complies with regulatory frameworks, ensuring Eskom recovers its allowed revenue while promoting transparency in electricity pricing.
The latest hikes follow a 12.7% increase in 2024/2025 and 12.74% in 2025/2026.
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Errors in Nersa’s earlier price determination also contributed to the steep tariff hike, which was originally set for 5% and 6%, respectively.
The revised tariff hike follows an out-of-court settlement between Nersa and the power utility, with consumers ultimately bearing the brunt of the calculation error.
Nersa has since appointed a forensic investigation firm to examine the causes of the error.
