The Democratic Alliance (DA) has issued a stern condemnation of ESKOM’s ongoing efforts to increase fixed network charges, a move that is anticipated to have severe repercussions on South African consumers and businesses. The DA has consistently warned against such unfair tariff structures, which they argue serve as a desperate attempt by ESKOM to shift the burden of its own corruption and mismanagement onto the public.

An alarming analysis by MyBroadband reveals that households choosing to remain grid-tied but not consuming electricity could experience a dramatic 321% increase in their bills. Meanwhile, those consuming as little as 100 kWh monthly might face hikes of up to 130%. These proposed changes come on top of an already planned 36.15% increase in consumption tariffs, further exacerbating the financial strain on South Africans.

ESKOM’s proposed tariff structure is seen as a punishment for those who have proactively invested in renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, to reduce their dependence on the utility’s unreliable supply. By imposing hefty fixed charges, ESKOM is disincentivizing efforts to adopt greener, more sustainable energy alternatives.

ESKOM’s justification for the increased fixed charges is to bolster its dwindling earnings amidst an exodus of consumers seeking more reliable and cost-effective energy solutions. However, the DA argues that this is not a novel proposal but rather an ongoing strategy that undermines consumer efforts toward self-reliance in energy production.




The DA has strongly advocated for the adoption of renewable energy as a cornerstone of South Africa’s energy strategy. They firmly believe that ESKOM should be supportive of, rather than penalizing, moves towards cleaner and renewable energy sources. It is deemed unjust that individuals or businesses consuming less electricity should be met with inflated charges, particularly under the guise of “fixed” costs.

The DA has called upon the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to fulfill its obligation to protect public interest by ensuring that tariffs are fair, balanced, and sustainable. The current proposal by ESKOM is criticized for falling significantly short of these objectives. The DA demands that NERSA reject ESKOM’s punitive pricing plan and instead advocate for a tariff structure that encourages energy independence and self-generation.

In its ongoing commitment to a fair, affordable, and sustainable energy future for South Africa, the DA pledges to continue its fight against policies that undermine consumer efforts to embrace alternative energy sources. They urge both ESKOM and NERSA to reconsider policies that penalize South Africans for seeking cleaner, more reliable energy solutions.

The DA’s stance is clear: it is time for real change in how South Africa approaches its energy challenges. By championing a diversified, stable, and future-focused energy mix, the DA aims to ensure that South Africans are not unfairly burdened with the costs of ESKOM’s inefficiencies. The party remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting consumers and advocating for a more equitable energy landscape in South Africa.