Eskom tariff hike: South Africans have until Friday to comment

South Africans have until Friday, 2 October, to comment on Eskom’s proposed tariff structure for 2027/28, as concerns grow over what higher electricity costs could mean for already-stretched household budgets, Joburg Etc reports.

Eskom’s current 8.76% average tariff increase came into effect in April 2026. A further 8.83% average increase for Eskom’s direct customers is scheduled from 1 April 2027, with NERSA currently consulting on how the tariff structure will be applied.

Households already feeling the pressure

The timing adds to a growing affordability squeeze For many South Africans. Petrol prices rose by R1.34 a litre in September, while geopolitical tensions, including disruption around key oil shipping routes, have pushed global oil prices higher. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources attributed September’s fuel increases partly to Russian export restrictions and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

On Wednesday, Central Energy Fund (CEF) stated that petrol could rise by around R3 a litre in October, potentially taking 95 unleaded petrol close to R30 a litre.

For households already balancing transport, groceries and electricity, another increase can mean cutting back elsewhere.

The affordability debate comes as Eskom reported a R30.3 billion profit after tax for the year ended March 2026. Consumer group PMBEJD has urged NERSA to consider the financial pressure facing households, while energy expert Tshepo Kgadima described the proposed increase as ‘hard to stomach’.

Cape Town has also been pursuing alternatives to Eskom. The City recently concluded power purchase agreements with independent producers, saying cheaper generation could help reduce its reliance on Eskom and make electricity more affordable for residents.

How to comment

South Africans can submit written comments to NERSA before the 2 October deadline. Comments can be sent to [email protected] as part of the public participation process.