DA says debate on Eskom's proposed tariff hike should happen before increase takes effect

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) says the debate on Eskom’s proposed 36% electricity tariff increase should happen soon and before the increase comes into effect.

The party’s energy spokesperson, Kevin Mileham, said the main intention was to highlight the impact an almost 40% increase would have on ordinary South Africans.

He said this was important, especially after Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the high electricity prices needed to be reviewed.

Mileham said the combined increase would force consumers who currently spent R900 per month on electricity to pay R1,260 per month.

While the DA said the debate on the proposed tariff increase might not stop the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) from approving Eskom’s proposed increase, it would highlight the impact of such an increase on consumers.

Mileham said the debate was to bring the matter to Ramokgopa's attention.

"It’s less about making an impact on NERSA and more about highlighting and bringing it to the minister’s attention because Minister Ramokgopa a couple of weeks ago said electricity pricing would be reviewed."

The actual debate will be scheduled once the programme committee meets on Thursday and will most likely take place next week sometime.