Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, added her voice to that of Cape Town mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, to oppose Eskom’s proposed 32% tariff hike for next year.

On the last day of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) public hearings, Mayor Hill-Lewis stated that if granted, the standard Eskom tariff would rise by more than 32% (or to 172.6c/kWh) on 1 April 2023.

Mayor Rabie said that this will place further financial burdens on the already ailing local economy and on residents within the Overstrand who are struggling to make ends meet under the rising cost of living.

“Some residents are increasingly finding the municipal services tariffs unaffordable and increases above inflation should be avoided at all costs,” she added.

“Research have shown that the price of electricity has risen more than 500% over the past 16 years while over the same time, the security of electricity supply has grown steadily less reliable. Thus, making it very difficult for consumers to accept these high increases.”

“Eskom has not shown any meaningful progress in addressing their problems, in fact the situation seems to be worsening with the current Stage 6 load shedding experienced over the last week. “

“Hence, as a Municipality, we do not support any further above inflation tariff increase applications by Eskom and implores NERSA to reject it outright,” Mayor Rabie concluded.