Electricity price hike of 8.76% ‘bare minimum’ needed for Eskom’s survival – NERSA

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) admits that electricity tariff hikes are 'unbearable' for households, but says they are a requirement to ensure Eskom’s survival. 

Households supplied by the power utility were dealt another blow when NERSA approved an 8.76% price adjustment, which will take effect from 1 April 2026. 

RELATED: Eskom electricity tariffs to rise by nearly 9% in April

NERSA executive manager Rhulani Mathebula explained that the approved increase is part of a multi-year process that determines the prices or tariffs for the utility company for three years.

In addition to the 8.76% increase from 1 April, another 8.83% increase has already been approved for 2027.

"This decision was made in January last year, where the regulator announced that for the coming three years, this will be the price escalation in terms of electricity for the three years ending in March 2028.”

He emphasised that as a regulator, their role is to balance the needs of consumers and the utility company, ensuring the survival of Eskom.

“These price escalations are unbearable, and indeed, this is the situation that we find ourselves in. But as the regulator, it is not necessarily a discretionary decision… This is the bare minimum to ensure the survival of the utility.”

To listen to Mathebula in conversation with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: