Ramokgopa is committed to finding a solution to high electricity prices

Cape Town – Minister of Energy and Electricity Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has assured South Africans that his department, in collaboration with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and municipalities, is committed to addressing rising electricity costs.

At a press conference on Monday, Ramokgopa stressed the urgent need for an effective electricity pricing plan, saying discussions were already underway with SALGA and municipalities.

“The cost of electricity has increased exponentially. Our electricity pricing plan needs to come into effect and that is the primary concern of the work of the ministry now working with Eskom; working with municipalities and working with SALGA,” the minister said.

He acknowledged public dissatisfaction with certain municipal initiatives, such as the controversial R200 surcharge, but stressed that the focus must be on finding a sustainable solution.

“We don’t really want to make a public statement on whether the R200 (surcharge) is necessary or not. What we want to do is find a more sustainable and robust solution to this problem,” he said.

He added: “There is a realisation that it is important that we work together. This situation is untenable. Communities are becoming increasingly angry (and) people simply cannot afford the cost of electricity.

“As a ministry, together with the deputy minister, we have taken the position that we will not fold our arms, although that domain… is the exclusive domain of local governments. Municipalities rightly say that it is their domain, but we agree with SALGA that we are going to solve this problem domestically.”

Ramokgopa also emphasised the crucial role of South Africa’s National Energy Regulator (Nersa) in protecting consumer interests and ensuring fair tariff increases.

“As an independent authority they have a duty to protect the consumer, they have a duty to question the proposed tariff increases from Eskom and also from municipalities. So what we are going to do is not put pressure on Nersa, but work with Nersa.

According to him, the aim is to ensure affordable access to electricity for all, prevent industries from becoming uncompetitive due to high costs and address the challenges faced by municipalities.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu