Residents of South Africa have a limited time until September 27 to influence the proposed changes in electricity pricing policy and determine the future cost of energy supply.
The Department of Electricity and Energy has published a revised electricity pricing policy for public discussion. The deadline for submitting comments is September 27, 2026, and households as well as businesses are strongly urged to participate in this process.
The current policy was developed back in 2008 when the market looked completely different, and Eskom dominated the market. Today, solar panels on roofs, private generation, traders, and a wheeling system allowing families and businesses to supply themselves with energy are actively used in South Africa. Opponents of tariff increases argue that the existing pricing system is not keeping pace with these changes.
Kevin Mileyham, DA's press secretary for electricity, states plainly that people are paying too much, and a significant portion of this amount covers Eskom's inefficiency, outdated costs, and old financial gaps.
Opponents of tariff hikes demand the creation of a competitive market where consumers would only pay for the electricity and network services they actually consume, rather than paying a penalty for underconsumption or for their own generation.
Key demands include conducting a comprehensive study on availability and bill impact, establishing strict and transparent limits on fixed and capacity charges, fair treatment of rooftop and embedded generation, temporary management of outdated costs, and an independent assessment of NERSA's ability to properly regulate the new market.
This concern has prompted reactions from several organizations. AfriForum warned that the new policy is 'useless without proper enforcement' and opposes Eskom's latest proposal for an average increase of 8.8% in 2027/28, which signals a profit of R30.3 billion, reduced sales, and high executive salaries. Morne Mostert stated: 'Consumers cannot fund Eskom's profit party.'
OUTA has opposed multi-year increases for many years, deeming them excessive. A petition from A Better Governance Initiative against the increase gathered thousands of signatures in a matter of days. COSATU speaks of mass layoffs, while SACP and EFF label successive increases as a blow to working-class homes.
Analysts warn of a 'death spiral': rising prices force more people to disconnect from the grid, leaving fewer customers to support the system.
The Department of Electricity and Energy claims that the goal of the revision is to eliminate inefficiencies that are passed on to paying customers and to make bills clearer. However, this promise will only be fulfilled if the public utilizes the comment period.
Consumers are advised to submit their comments to the CEO of the Department of Electricity and Energy, Mr. Joseph Maraba, at EPP.Comments@dee.gov.za, or deliver them in person at Matimba House, 192 Visagie Street, corner of Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, or send them by mail to Private Bag X96, Pretoria, 0001. In doing so, the applicant's name and contact details must be provided.