In a bold move, the Midvaal Local Municipality in Gauteng has formally lodged its objection to Eskom’s staggering 40% plus electricity tariff increase proposal, submitted to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
The power utility’s bid includes a 43.55% hike in 2026, followed by 3.36% and 11.07% increases in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
This audacious request comes at a time when consumers are already reeling from soaring food inflation and additional rate and tax increases imposed by municipalities from July 1. The Midvaal Executive Mayor, Peter Teixeira, has slammed the proposal as “completely unrealistic” and tone-deaf to the economic hardships faced by low to middle-income households.
Teixeira has requested an urgent meeting with Eskom and Nersa to express the municipality’s strong opposition and explore alternative solutions that don’t shift the burden onto already struggling ratepayers. “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 emphasises.
The municipality’s stance is a beacon of hope for residents who are battling to make ends meet. As the battle lines are drawn, one thing is clear: the people of Midvaal will not go down without a fight against this exorbitant tariff hike.
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