Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
7 November 2024 | 13:00 CAT
2 min read

The eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA) has objected to Eskom’s proposed tariff hikes for the 2026-2028 financial years, calling them unjustified and harmful to residents and businesses.

Eskom has requested revenue increases of R446bn, R495bn, and R537bn over the next three years, which ERRA says will burden ratepayers, especially amid rising living costs, load shedding, and small business struggles.

In an interview with Radio Islam, Ish Prahladh, the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA) chairperson criticised Eskom for failing to address its internal inefficiencies, which are placing a heavy burden on ratepayers. He emphasised that the proposed tariff hikes would impose unsustainable financial strain on households and businesses across eThekwini.

He highlighted that Eskom lacked transparent decision-making and did not engage with the public regularly. “The put these increases to the people just carte blanche. Without talking to the people is wrong. It is going to kill businesses, you are going to have serious issues amongst the people,” he said.

The association criticised Eskom’s reliance on outdated pricing methodologies, inefficiencies, and lack of transparency in workforce management costs. ERRA urged NERSA to reject or reduce the increase, conduct a third-party audit of Eskom’s costs, and implement fairer tariff restructuring.

“NERSA is supposed to be our eye out there in the sky, they are quiet, they are supposed to be fighting for us. They not doing anything about it,” he said frustratingly.

According to Praladh, the key solution is for people to unite and put pressure on Eskom so they will listen. He also stated that Eskom needs to start by addressing its own high overhead costs within the organisation. “They are paying people exorbitant salary rates which they can cut down and help with the increase,” he added.

Praladh noted that various associations, civic society organisations, and businesses have formally submitted their objections, and they are now awaiting the outcome to determine whether Eskom will heed their concerns.

Public hearings will be held on November 21^st, with NERSA expected to make a decision by December.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Ish Prahladh, the Chairperson of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA), here.