Electricity tariff increases in parts of South Africa are unsustainable and unfair to customers

JOHANNESBURG – Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has said the increase in electricity tariffs in some parts of the country is unsustainable and unfair to customers.

Johannesburg residents have had to dig deeper into their pockets to keep the lights on, following a 12.7% tariff increase and a monthly surcharge of R200 imposed by City Power.

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Ramokgopa said there was an urgent need to address the root problem behind the increases.

“While Eskom is asking for these tariff increases, municipalities are adding a surcharge in return. The cost of doing business is increasing.

“People are going to have a hard time getting food, as they are now. Many of them have the same problem, and that problem is likely to get worse over time.”