What Nersa blunder means for your bill — prepare to pay more

Eskom

Cape Town – The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has admitted to significant errors in approving Eskom’s electricity tariff increases.

Initially, Nersa set hikes of 12.74% for 2025/2026, 5.36% for 2026/2027, and 6.19% for 2027/2028. Following Eskom’s court challenge over a R107 billion revenue shortfall, the parties reached a R54 billion out-of-court settlement.

The revised tariffs now mean consumers face further increases of 8.76% and 8.83% in the next two years.

The decision has sparked public outrage, with critics — including energy analysts, political leaders, trade unions, and the DA — arguing it unfairly burdens households and businesses, highlights regulatory failures, and lacks transparency.

Calls have been made for parliamentary inquiries, a halt to above-inflation increases, and the establishment of a new national electricity pricing policy to prevent similar errors in the future.

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