By: Natasha Archary

Eskom is reportedly pushing for a 35.15% electricity tariff increase for 2025, which has been rejected by the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU).
The proposed tariff increase was reported on by The Daily Maverick, and will take effect from 01 April 2025 if the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approves.
According to the publication, the 36.15% increase is the first of a few and Eskom plans to have an additional increase of 43.55% in 2026, 3.36% in 2027, and 11.07% in 2028.
This means a household with an average consumption of 900kWh could see themselves paying an addition of R1,600 per month.
Eskom’s proposal comes on the heels of a 12.74% increase in electricity tariffs which came into effect in April 2024.
While South Africans have been enjoying the longest loadshedding-free streak, in April Eskom was given the go-ahead to implement Stage 16 loadshedding.
Before the Code of Practice was updated, Eskom only had protocols in place upto Stage 8 loadshedding.
The update means Eskom will be allowed to implement loadshedding from Stage 1 to Stage 16.
SAFTU says the proposed tariff hike will place a significant financial burden on South African consumers particularly working-class households who are already struggling with the economic burdens of unemployment and the rising cost of consumer goods.
“Higher electricity costs will only make it harder for people to afford a living especially because it is a basic required to heat homes, for cooking and heating water.
SAFTU is opposing the proposed 36.15% electricity tariff increase from Eskom
The history of mismanagement, corruption and looting has sabotaged Eskom’s financial health, putting it in a condition where it perpetually seeks investments to stay afloat.”
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