The chairperson of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Appropriations, Dr Mmusi Maimane, has called for closer scrutiny of the energy regulator Nersa’s role in determining electricity tariffs and Eskom’s request for increases.
He made the call following Eskom briefing the committee.
Lawmakers expressed concern about the power utility’s proposed electricity tariff increases for the coming year, warning that increased electricity costs could deepen the financial pressures experienced by households amid rising inflation, persistently high living costs and a stagnant economy.
They argued that the proposed tariff increases are inconsistent with government’s commitment to combating poverty and unemployment. Eskom is seeking a tariff hike of more than 8% for April 2027.
