Eskom will implement an average electricity tariff increase of 8.76% for direct customers starting April 1, 2026, following approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). Municipalities are expected to apply their own increases averaging 9.01% beginning July 1.
Key Takeaways
Eskom will implement an 8.76% electricity tariff increase from April 1, 2026, following NERSA approval. Municipalities will apply their own increases starting July. Subsidized tariffs for low-income households remain unchanged.
- Eskom's direct customers face an 8.76% price hike
- Municipalities to implement average increase of 9.01% from July
- Subsidised tariffs for low-income and rural households unaffected
- Drakenstein Municipality rejects proposed hike, proposes 6.3%
- NERSA public consultation process opens March 16
The tariff adjustment was approved as part of Eskom's revenue plan for the 2026/27 financial year, according to multiple reports. The power utility stated that the increase is necessary to cover costs associated with generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity while allowing for essential infrastructure investments.
Eskom Group Chief Financial Officer Calib Cassim acknowledged growing affordability pressures on households and businesses but emphasized efforts to keep future tariff requests reasonable. Subsidized tariffs for low-income and rural households will remain unchanged to mitigate the impact on vulnerable citizens, as reported by eNCA.
The Drakenstein Municipality has rejected Eskom's proposed 9% electricity tariff hike, arguing that it would severely impact community members and local businesses. The municipality proposes a 6.3% increase instead, aligning with its cost-of-supply analysis. Mayor Stephen Korabie urged residents to participate in NERSA's public consultation process, which opens on March 16 and runs until the 27th.
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