Will Eskom increase electricity prices in South Africa?

Eskom is proposing radical electricity pricing changes to significantly increase the monthly bill for South African households with solar power. The proposal would increase the fixed capacity charges, disproportionally affecting people using less electricity.

Will Eskom change its electricity pricing structure?

Eskom, South Africa’s embattled power utility, is pushing for significant changes to its electricity pricing structure, which would drastically increase the monthly costs for households using solar power.

Will Eskom's radical electricity pricing changes affect solar power?

Eskom’s proposals for radical electricity pricing changes would result in many households with lower consumption — including those with solar power — paying substantially more for electricity than they do now.

What is Eskom's new electricity tariff plan?

The new electricity tariff plan also aimed to make Eskom’s electricity more attractive than households and businesses generating their own power. Eskom’s plan to increase its fixed charges, which will adversely affect solar users and other households with low consumption, remains in place.

Why did Eskom create a solar power system in South Africa?

At the time, Eskom said it was needed to prevent the loss of revenue from South Africans using solar panels to generate their own electricity. Eskom said South Africans who use solar power systems generate most of their electricity during the day.

What will Eskom's new pricing model entail?

The change will introduce a consistent pricing model for low-usage households, regardless of consumption patterns throughout the month, making bills more predictable. For solar panel users, Eskom plans to continue charging for electricity used from the grid during cloudy days or peak times.