JOHANESBURG - South African households are in an affordability crisis, says the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD).
"We have just had an interest rate hike and wages are quite low," says the organisation's Mervyn Abrahams.
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"We have come to the stage where South African households can no longer afford," he said.
The PMBEJD is calling on the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to consider South Africa's affordability crisis.
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Eskom has approached the energy regulator seeking an average 8.8 percent electricity tariff increase for the 2027/28 financial year. NERSA is taking public comments on how the increase and tariff charges should be structured with submissions closing on 2 October.
In August, the power utility reported a R30.3 billion profit after tax. This is increase from the 16 billion from last year.
Taking that into consideration, energy expert Tshepo Kgadima said the tariff increase is hard to stomach.
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"We are on a precipice as a nation because energy is a fundamental for the economic growth of any nation and the social well-being of any nation," said Kgadima.
Abrahams says the 8.8 percent increase will add R112 to the electricity bill.
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Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has mandated the Eskom board to reduce the cost of electricity. Which would be a welcomed relief for many households.
Kgadima said the plan is yet to be seen.