Eskom has confirmed the implementation of electricity tariff adjustments for the 2026/27 financial year, following a decision by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) on 5 March 2026.
The regulator approved an average price increase of 8.76% for customers supplied directly by Eskom, with the new tariffs set to take effect from 1 April 2026.
Municipal bulk customers will implement their own tariff increases, averaging 9.01%, from 1 July 2026, in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), which requires municipalities to adjust tariffs at the start of their financial year.
Eskom’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Calib Cassim, said the power utility remains mindful of the financial pressures facing consumers.
“We have been clear in communicating that Eskom is working to ensure that future tariff increase requests remain reasonable, recognising the affordability pressures on both residential and business customers. Achieving this depends on disciplined financial management and finding smarter, more efficient ways of operating,” he said.
The utility stated that the tariff increase is necessary to support its ability to provide a stable and reliable electricity supply. Revenue generated will cover the costs of generating, transmitting and distributing electricity, while also supporting investment in critical infrastructure.
NERSA noted that it considered both customer affordability and the long-term sustainability of the electricity system in reaching its decision.
Eskom further reassured customers that subsidised tariffs will remain in place. Homelight tariffs will continue to be subsidised through the Affordability Subsidy Charge, while rural tariffs will remain supported due to higher network costs. These subsidies are recovered through the Electrification and Rural Subsidy (ERS) and Low-Voltage charges.
The utility said these measures are aimed at ensuring electricity remains accessible to low-income and rural households.
Eskom has also reported steady improvements in its generation performance. The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has risen to 65.85% year-to-date, covering the period from 1 April 2025 to 12 March 2026. The fleet has reached or exceeded 70% availability on 83 occasions so far.
Baseload units, which are essential for maintaining a stable electricity supply, have improved significantly, with availability increasing from 9% two years ago to more than 98% currently.
Saturday Star