Midvaal shocked by proposed 40% electricity tariff increase

The Midvaal Local Municipality in Gauteng says it has written to Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to object to the power utility’s proposed 40% plus electricity tariff increase.

Eskom has reportedly submitted a proposal to Nersa for tariff increases of 43.55% in 2026, 3.36% in 2027, and 11.07% in 2028.

This comes as consumers grapple with high food inflation and further increases in rates and taxes announced by municipalities as from July 1 this year.

Midvaal Executive Mayor, Peter Teixeira says this will have a severe impact on low to middle-income households.

Teixeira says, “This proposal is completely unrealistic and does not take into account the tough economic realities faced by many of our people. This is why I have requested a meeting with Eskom and Nersa to express our concerns and dissatisfaction on behalf of the people of Midvaal.”

“My hope is that we can find constructive solutions, rather than shifting the burden onto paying customers who are also struggling with raising costs of living,” he adds. –Reporting by Puseletso Mokoena.

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