The power utility wants to hike up tariffs for direct customers by around 36% next year and then by 12% and 9% in the 2027 and 2028 financial years respectively.

EWN - Bernadette Wicks - 24 September 2024 | 11:55

JOHANNESBURG - Eskom's proposed electricity tariff increases for the next three financial years, have gone out for public comment.

The power utility wants to hike up tariffs for direct customers by around 36% next year and then by 12% and 9% in the 2027 and 2028 financial years respectively.

Following an almost 13% hike this April, the proposal courted significant controversy with a petition launched by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to try and block the hike.

So far it has garnered more than 100,000 signatures.

According to the consultation paper, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) published on its website, Eskom’s revenue application amounts to R446 billion for the 2026 financial year, R495 billion for 2027, and R537 billion for 2028.

NERSA notes the major drivers as primary energy, operating costs, independent power producers, international purchases and depreciation.

The window for written comments to be submitted opened on Monday and is set to close on 1 November 2024 after which NERSA said it would “collate all comments received, which will be taken into consideration when the decision is made”.

Public hearings will also be held for all nine provinces, from 18 November until 6 December.

NERSA plans to publish its decision with the reasons in March next year.

The new tariff hikes are expected to take effect a month later, on the 1 April.

NAMPO CAPE 2024: ‬A CELEBRATION OF AGRICULTURE IN THE OVERBERG

The Overberg once again put her best foot forward as we celebrated the 5th annual NAMPO Cape Expo from 11-14 September 2024 in Bredasdorp.

An unbelievable 45,800 visitors attended the NAMPO Cape over the four days, setting a new record and improving on last year’s record number of 34,635 visitors, once more cementing its position as the leading agriculture showcase in the Western Cape.

Agriculture serves as the foundation for Overberg’s economy, and that was emphasized by this year’s theme, Agriculture: The Backbone of Economic Growth. The agricultural sector serves as a vital driver of economic development, feeding millions of people as well as offering employment opportunities for a significant part of the population. “Agriculture significantly influences global trade due to its direct effects on other economic sectors, creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth,” says ODM Executive Mayor, Ald Sakkie Franken. This statement can be further supported by the networking and partnership opportunities that the NAMPO Cape provides to its different exhibitors each year.

Mayor Franken further stated, “Agriculture is essential for any society because it helps to feed people. It plays a vital role in the growth of our economy as well as the development of our region. It is safe to say that our existence depends directly on it.”

This year’s NAMPO Cape offered various showcases and activities for its visitors. From the exciting new Sheepdog Expo to the world-famous South African Lipizzaners who mesmerized visitors with their spectacular movements, as well as the always astounding floral arrangements and Fynbos exhibitions. The Agri in Conversation program provided exciting and informative discussions on issues affecting agriculture, while the importance of youth in agriculture was highlighted through the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s schools program. This year's women's programme was once again packed with celebrity guests and entertainers.

It is truly exciting to see how the NAMPO Cape goes from strength to strength each year, serving as a staple of economic empowerment for the Overberg region.

ISSUED BY:

ODM Communications

Tel: 028 425 1157 | communications@odm.org.za

OVERBERG DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY