South Africans have been hit by another electricity-price decision: the energy regulator approved an average 12.74% increase for Eskom’s direct customers for the 2025/26 financial year. Households and small businesses face higher bills unless they act now to reduce consumption or invest in alternatives.
What Actually Changed — The Factual Update
NERSA’s determination approved Eskom revenues of R384.610 billion for 2025/26, which translated into an average 12.74% tariff increase for direct Eskom customers (with municipalities receiving an 11.32% adjustment on a later effective date). These increases were part of the multi-year pricing decisions regulators and Eskom have been implementing over recent years.
It’s important to clarify that the 12.74% figure relates to the 2025/26 revenue determination and was implemented in the period beginning April 2025 for Eskom direct customers, with municipal bulk purchase adjustments phased in later. Several widely circulated reports that frame the same percentage as taking effect in 2026 are conflating future-year requests and regulatory steps — always check the regulator’s determination date and implementation schedule.
How Big Is This Compared with Recent Years?
Tariffs have risen sharply over the last two years; cumulative increases implemented across 2023 and 2024 are commonly reported in the 33–34% range when the 2023 and 2024 adjustments are combined. This helps explain why many households are feeling price pressure now.
What This Means for Your Household Budget
The exact extra rand figure depends on your usage profile and tariff block, but a mid-usage household will likely notice a meaningful bump on the monthly bill. Expect higher running costs for electric water heating, cooking, and home businesses that rely on continuous power. Low-income households are typically most exposed unless targeted relief or subsidies apply through municipal arrangements.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today
These are simple, actionable measures that reduce consumption and often pay back quickly:
• Swap incandescent bulbs for LEDs and switch off lights when not needed.
• Install a geyser timer or insulation blanket to reduce heating time.
• Use pressure cookers, match pot sizes to stove plates, and boil only what you need.
• Wash laundry on cold cycles and hang to dry where possible.
• Unplug chargers and appliances that draw “phantom” power when idle.
• Choose high-efficiency appliances when replacing old units, focusing on long-term running costs.
• If you can, get quotes for solar water heating or small PV systems — many households see major savings within a few years.
Global Lessons That Matter Here
Other energy systems facing similar price and reliability pressures combined three key approaches: (1) phased regulatory plans that balance utility health with consumer protection, (2) large-scale investment in renewables and storage to lower long-run generation costs, and (3) targeted support for vulnerable households to avoid deepening energy poverty. South Africa can adapt these lessons to its own grid realities and fiscal limits.
Policy and Community Actions to Push For
Beyond household measures, community and policy engagement can help create long-term relief. Advocate for clearer tariff structures, expanded subsidies for low-income households, transparent grid-upgrade rollouts, and incentives that lower the barrier to household renewables. Local consumer groups and regulatory consultations are effective platforms for these discussions.
Bottom Line — Your Practical Checklist
1. Review your last three electricity bills to identify peak usage.
2. Fit LED bulbs and unplug idle devices.
3. Install a geyser timer or blanket and reduce heating hours.
4. Get quotes for solar water heating or small PV systems if possible.
5. Ask your municipality about special-tariff or relief programs.
6. Participate in public consultations when NERSA opens them — collective input matters.
By combining smart energy habits with informed advocacy, South Africans can better weather tariff hikes and build toward a more resilient, affordable energy future.