No 36% electricity tariff increase is expected in 2025, as Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has reassured South Africans.
Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has assured South Africans that there will not be a 36% electricity tariff increase.https://t.co/P0ca0D2D7r
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Government Rules Out Massive Tariff Hike
Minister Ramokgopa has assured the public that there will not be a 36% electricity increase this year, addressing fears among financially burdened citizens. He made the announcement during the second day of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) lekgotla in Boksburg, Johannesburg.
The minister emphasized that such drastic increases are not sustainable and that efforts are being made to protect both individuals and businesses from escalating costs.
Electricity Costs: A Growing Concern
Ramokgopa acknowledged the financial strain caused by high electricity prices, especially for everyday South Africans and local businesses. He highlighted concerns raised by South African representatives at the recent World Economic Forum (WEF), where electricity costs were flagged as a key challenge to business competitiveness.
“Electricity is incredibly expensive for households and even more so for businesses, making their products less competitive in the global market,” he explained.
Focus on Affordable Energy
To ensure affordability in the future, the government is reviewing its approach to electricity pricing and production. Ramokgopa confirmed that submissions made to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) reflect efforts to curb excessive tariff increases.
“We cannot sustain these sharp increases in electricity costs,” he said. “I am confident that the proposed 36% hike will not happen, and the actual increases will be significantly lower.”
The minister also emphasized the importance of revisiting South Africa’s energy mix to reduce production costs and make electricity more accessible for all.
