Eskom’s electricity tariff was implemented this week, following approvals from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) in December.

For Eskom’s direct customers, the increase for most charges is 12,74%, applicable from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. For local authority tariff charges, the increase is 12,72%, effective from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

The affordability subsidy charge will see a 25,24% increase, potentially raising charges for direct users.

“Eskom has no tariff structural changes for 2024/25; however, it is contemplating a tariff restructuring submission to NERSA for implementation in 2025/26,” the power utility said.

Commenting on the potential shape of this tariff restructuring, energy commentator Hügo Krüger told Moneyweb that it was possible Eskom may look to implement a fixed tariff system, in which all customers, including partially off-grid customers, pay a fixed rate per month to cover transmission distribution costs.

Krüger speculated that the impending tariff restructuring could be in response to the impact of dissatisfied consumers transitioning to solar power solutions. “I don’t want to point fingers and say solar is to blame for this because they’re not. It’s a disruptive technology and we need to come up with a different way as to how we price electricity,” he said.