Conflict on the Tariff Front

But this technical success is overshadowed by growing controversy over electricity tariffs:

• The National Energy Regulator (NERSA) is under fire for a R54 billion tariff error—a settlement with Eskom that will impose added costs on consumers, with projected hikes of 3.4% in 2026/27 and 2.64% in 2027/28. SALGA (South African Local Government Association) warns this could deepen affordability crises for households and strain municipal budgets IOLInfrastructure news.

• The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands accountability, calling the blunder “gross incompetence” and urging a parliamentary inquiry into NERSA’s processes Democratic Alliance.

• Critics argue the settlement was pushed through quietly, with steeper tariff hikes—8.76% and 8.83% for upcoming years—sidestepping public consultation and sparking backlash about transparency and governance failure Democratic Alliancecapechamber.co.za.

• Voices from civil society emphasize dire consequences: “electricity is unaffordable not only to consumers but to the economy as a whole,” and households are resorting to primitive methods for essentials like hot water, reversing decades of developmental gains IOL.

Solar Relief for Homeowners

Amid the tariff drama, there’s some hopeful news for homeowners: Eskom plans to reduce rooftop solar registration costs by up to R20,000, potentially easing transition to renewable energy and encouraging self-generation

Conclusion

Eskom’s recent performance underscores its potential to deliver stable power. Yet, the looming tariff controversy and broader policy challenges cast a shadow over those gains. Balancing technical achievements with affordability, transparency, and sustainable energy reform will determine whether South Africa can finally turn the page on its energy crisis.