Eskom hikes tariffs by nearly 9%

South Africans whose electricity comes directly from Eskom will pay more from today.

Electricity tariffs have increased by around 8.7%, with many consumers already seeing the hike reflected in their bills.

"If you're an Eskom customer and your bill is looking at R2,500 a month, then you're looking at an additional R200 or so on top of your bill every month," explains Rhulani Mathebula of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

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The hike is the first of many, with another increase of 8.83% scheduled for this time next year.

"However, it can only be confirmed next year, because we still need to run the numbers."

Eskom says the hike is aimed at helping recover costs and maintain the grid.

"Indeed, that [households installing solar power] we have seen happening already... many of those who can have opted for that."

Mathebula says the cost of electricity is being 'dealt with'.

"This is an issue we are dealing with. The decision has been taken to review the pricing policy itself... all of this is done so we can create stability in pricing as well as the supply of electricity."

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