No joke | Eskom’s electricity tariff hike approved, starts on 1 April
Electricity tariffs are set to rise from 1 April after NERSA approved an average increase of 8.76% for the 2026/27 financial year.
Electricity tariffs are set to rise from 1 April after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved an average increase of 8.76% for the 2026/27 financial year.
State power utility Eskom confirmed the adjustment in a public statement, saying the increase is necessary to support the sustainability of the electricity system.
Impact on Households
The tariff hike is expected to place additional strain on households already managing tight budgets, with consumers likely to see higher monthly electricity bills.
Municipal customers may face varying increases, as municipalities purchase bulk electricity from Eskom and then determine their own tariffs for residents.
Eskom’s Response
Eskom said it is mindful of affordability concerns but stressed the importance of maintaining the national grid and ensuring reliable supply.
“We have been clear in communicating that Eskom is working to ensure that future tariff increase requests remain reasonable, recognising the affordability pressures on both residential and business customers,” said Calib Cassim, Eskom’s group chief financial officer.
Concerns Raised
Community groups have raised concerns about the impact of rising electricity costs on household finances, calling for clear communication from municipalities regarding billing changes and implementation timelines.
Regulator’s Justification
NERSA said the approved increase is aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the electricity system and securing continued investment in generation and distribution infrastructure.
Customers who purchase electricity directly from Eskom can access detailed tariff schedules on the utility’s website, while those supplied through municipalities are advised to await local announcements for exact pricing and implementation details.
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