Drakenstein Municipality rejects Eskom’s 9% tariff hike

The Drakenstein Municipality has rejected Eskom’s proposed 9% electricity tariff hike, stating that the steep increase would severely impact the livelihoods of community members and place local businesses under pressure.

Consequently, the municipality is calling on residents to participate in the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA) public commentary process.

The Drakenstein Council is proposing a 6.3% electricity price hike, arguing that Eskom’s planned 9% increase is unsustainable.

Mayor Stephen Korabie stated that the municipality conducted a cost-of-supply analysis and determined that a 6.3% increase is better aligned with the economic reality of the town.

Korabie has also written to NERSA, urging the regulator to block Eskom’s planned increase for the next financial year. He warned that ballooning operating costs would place both businesses and jobs at risk.

NERSA’s public consultation process opens on Monday, 16 March, and runs until the 27th.