Eskom's 15.6% Tariff Hike Annoys SA: "We Are Paying for Corruption"
- Eskom's tariff increase of 15.6% is in effect from Thursday, 1 April and SA is not impressed at all
- The massive tariff hike by Eskom is a big blow for many across the country who are battling to pay bills given the current economic climate
- South Africans have taken to social media to share their thoughts and express their feelings about Eskom's tariff increase
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1 April is not just the day of pranks and games but also a day full of dismay for South Africans. During a time where the country is in a terrible financial position, Eskom's excessive tariff hikes have been implemented.
South Africans who receive electricity directly from the embattled power utility will be charged over 15.6% more than before. The High Court recently ruled that Eskom may raise an extra R10 billion for their revenue of the current year.
The hike has frustrated many across the country as load-shedding and load reduction are still prominent. South Africans have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts on the topic.
Source: Getty Images
EWN reported that it is a difficult year for the fiscus but even more difficult for many across the country who are choosing electricity over other essentials such as food. The 15.6% hike is a big blow for many.
A report by eNCA stated that the power utility was given the green light for the tariff increase by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.
Briefly.co.za took to Twitter to see what South Africans are saying about the tariff hike:
@Panther_Passion wrote:
"The biggest joke is that if the economy grows by more than 3% then Eskom will have to load-shed because it doesn’t have capacity. Without the growth, there are less people/companies to pay for usage. The fewer people paying, the more tariff hikes. And then repeat again. Insane."
@CTshekela shared:
"Petrol price hikes and Eskom hiking tariffs... Yet again we are paying for corruption."
@ShugaRated tweeted:
"Today @Eskom_SA increases electricity tariffs, and this is not a joke even though it's April Fool's. We're paying for the crimes of previous and maybe current Eskom irresponsible and useless leadership... Magodu a batsofe fela..."
In similar news, Briefly.co.za reported that the Western Cape is planning to inject millions of brands into six municipalities to cut ties with Eskom. This follows Western Cape provincial Minister of Finance David Maynier's budget speech on Tuesday, 16 March.
Maynier revealed that the province's government will be allocating R70 million to help areas get off Eskom's grid.
Maynier said the money would be spent over the next few years and the areas that would be getting the financial help to cut ties with the power utility are Drakenstein, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Stellenbosch and Swartland.
The Municipal Energy Resilience Project (MERP) is aimed at beating load-shedding within the province.
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Source: Briefly News
