JOHANNESBURG – In a concerted effort to address the escalating electricity costs affecting South Africans, Minister of Energy and Electricity Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has vowed to implement a comprehensive strategy in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and various municipalities.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister Ramokgopa highlighted the exponential increase in electricity prices as a primary concern for his ministry. The ongoing collaboration with Eskom and municipalities is geared toward rolling out a sustainable electricity pricing plan that alleviates the financial burden on consumers. He emphasized that the focus is not on debating the necessity of measures like the controversial R200 surcharge but on developing robust solutions to the electricity cost crisis.
Discussions with SALGA have been underway since the sixth administration, acknowledging the critical need for collective action. Despite the authority over electricity pricing traditionally resting with local governments, there is a unified commitment to address the public’s growing frustrations over unaffordable electricity rates. Ramokgopa also noted the indispensable role of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) in this process. He clarified that the strategy involves working alongside Nersa to create a regulatory framework that considers the economic constraints of both low-income households and industrial sectors, ensuring fair access to electricity across all socioeconomic brackets.
As South Africa grapples with these challenges, the ministry’s proactive engagement with all stakeholders aims to forge an enduring solution that balances the needs of the community with sustainable energy practices. Minister Ramokgopa reassured the public of the government’s commitment to not only mediate the current issues but also to prevent future crises in the energy sector.
