The Hidden Hike: Eskom’s 28% Fixed Charge Jump Will Hit Low-Users Hardest

The average electricity tariff increase for Eskom direct customers in 2026/27 is 8.76%.

But for many households, the real increase will be much higher.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved Eskom’s tariff application, which includes the second phase of the utility’s retail tariff plan (RTP) .

The plan shifts more of Eskom’s revenue recovery away from per-unit energy charges and towards fixed monthly fees.

The Numbers

From 1 April 2026, Eskom direct customers face an average hike of 8.76% .

Municipal customers will pay 9.01% more from 1 July 2026.

But for residential customers on the most common plansHomeflex 4 and Homepower 4combined fixed charges will increase by 28% .

The percentage increase in a customer’s total bill decreases as electricity consumption rises, because variable energy charges are increasing at much lower rates than fixed fees.

Who Gets Hit Hardest?

The tariff restructure is particularly negative for households with low to moderate energy consumption.

Last year, after the first phase of the RTP, the Electricity Resellers Association of South Africa reported that many customers in sectional-title schemes saw their bills increase by 30% while the average increase was 12.74%.

For most residential users who don’t qualify as indigent households, fixed fees increased by 88% .

The Rationale

Eskom argues that people using less electricityincluding some rooftop solar usersare unfairly subsidised by those using more.

But critics say the utility is using the tariffs to mitigate losses in electricity sales resulting from increased self-generation.

The Stakeholder Process

Nersa stated that the application underwent a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process, as required by law.

The regulator said its decision took into consideration comments raised by stakeholders, including concerns about the impact on consumers.

Nersa’s full reasons for approval will be published on its website in due course.

The Bottom Line

The average increase is 8.76%. But fixed charges are going up 28%.

If you use less electricity, you’ll feel it more. If you have solar, you’ll feel it most.

The hidden hike is realand it’s coming on 1 April.

{Source: Mybroadband}

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