Eskom punishing solar power users

8 November 2024

The DA strongly condemns ESKOM’s ongoing attempts to increase fixed network charges, a move that will severely impact South African consumers and businesses. The DA has long warned against such unfair tariff structures, which are nothing but a desperate attempt by ESKOM to pass on the costs of its own corruption and mismanagement to the public.

An analysis by MyBroadband shows that households remaining grid-tied but consuming no electricity could see their bills skyrocket by 321%, while those using just 100 kWh monthly may face a 130% increase. This is on top of the already proposed 36.15% consumption tariff increase. ESKOM is punishing South Africans who have taken proactive steps, such as investing in solar power, to reduce their dependence on its unreliable supply.

It is important to note that this is not a new proposal; rather, it is one that ESKOM is pursuing to support its dwindling earnings as an increasing number of consumers look for alternatives to its inability provide a reliable supply of electricity and sharply rising electricity rates.

The DA has consistently advocated for the adoption of renewable energy as part of a sustainable solution to South Africa’s energy crisis. ESKOM should be encouraging, not penalising, efforts to shift towards cleaner, renewable energy. It is unjust that the less one consumes, the more they are charged, especially when these costs are labeled as “fixed.” ESKOM must apply these costs fairly and transparently to all customers.

NERSA has a duty to protect the public interest by ensuring tariffs are fair, balanced, and sustainable. South Africa needs a diversified energy mix that is stable, affordable, and future-focused—ESKOM’s proposal falls far short of these objectives. The DA demands that NERSA reject ESKOM’s punitive pricing plan and instead pursue a tariff structure that promotes energy independence and self-generation.

The DA will continue fighting for a fair, affordable, and sustainable energy future for South Africa. We urge ESKOM and NERSA to abandon policies that undermine consumer efforts to use alternative energy and to stop forcing South Africans to pay the price for ESKOM’s inefficiencies. It’s time for real change, and the DA is committed to ensuring South Africans aren’t penalised for seeking a cleaner, more reliable energy future.

Issued by Kevin Mileham, DA Spokesperson on Energy and Electricity, 8 November 2024