Law Today

Nersa plans on forcing South African energy users (electricity) to pay Eskom R76 billion for mistakes they made ⚖️

The public has until 21 January 2026 to comment on energy regulator Nersa’s plan. This comes after a secret deal was reached between Nersa and Eskom in late 2025. Nersa "made a mistake" by excluding billions of rands in its calculation of granting Eskom its allowable price hikes.

Nersa admitted to making mistakes in its calculations, which was an underestimation of R44 billion. Eskom and Nersa then agreed to settle on a R54 billion difference. This means a increase of 9% to electricity tariffs for South Africans.

To remedy the situation, Nersa was ordered to launch a short public consultation phase to ensure that those who would be most affected by its mistake had a chance to provide their input.

On 30 December 2025, Nersa published a consultation paper on the matter, seeking stakeholder input on ten key questions, providing an outline on how the matter ended up where it did.

This is a specific, time-sensitive opportunity to voice concerns about the significant electricity tariff increases.
Email: [email protected] (Subject: Comments on MYPD6 Settlement).
Post: PO Box 40343, Arcadia, 0083, Pretoria.
Hand Delivery: Kulawula House, 526 Madiba Street, Arcadia, Pretoria.

To object to NERSA and Eskom mistakes, especially regarding recent tariff hikes from the R76 billion settlement, you must submit formal written comments to NERSA by the January 21, 2026 deadline via email, post, or hand delivery, referencing the consultation paper; for general account/supply issues, use Eskom's WhatsApp/call center or NERSA's customer complaints portal.

What to Include in Your Submission

Your input should focus on the impact of the proposed tariff increases due to the calculation error and how it affects you, your household, or your business.

Clearly state your objection to South Africans being forced to pay for a regulatory or calculation error that was not their fault.

Emphasize the impact on affordability. Mention how increased electricity tariffs, which are already rising faster than inflation, affect your budget for essential items like groceries, operating costs for a business, or general financial stability.

Raise concerns about accountability and transparency. Point out that NERSA, as a regulator mandated to act in the public interest, should not settle matters secretly or without due public process.

Reference the court ruling that the initial settlement was a "thumb-suck" and contravened mandates for transparency, justifying the need for a fair and thorough review.

Request that NERSA find alternative solutions beyond simply passing the cost onto consumers, urging them to consider the operational inefficiencies and financial management issues within Eskom.

✉️ Example:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the ongoing decisions and actions taken by Eskom and approved by NERSA, which continue to place an unfair burden on the South African public.

Repeated tariff increases, combined with persistent load shedding and declining service reliability, demonstrate a clear failure in planning, accountability, and oversight. While consumers are expected to pay more, there has been little visible improvement in infrastructure stability, operational efficiency, or long-term energy security.

It is deeply concerning that the cost of mismanagement, poor governance, and delayed decision-making continues to be passed on to ordinary citizens and businesses who are already under severe financial pressure. Electricity is not a luxury—it is a basic necessity and a foundation of economic growth.

NERSA’s role is to act in the public interest by ensuring fair pricing and responsible regulation. Approving continuous increases without enforcing measurable performance improvements undermines public trust and raises serious questions about regulatory effectiveness.

I urge both Eskom and NERSA to take responsibility, improve transparency, enforce accountability at leadership level, and prioritize sustainable solutions rather than relying on consumers to absorb the consequences of systemic failures.

South Africans deserve reliable, affordable electricity and governance that serves the public interest—not excuses.

Yours sincerely,....your name....

✉️ Example:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my concern regarding the continued failures of Eskom and the tariff decisions approved by NERSA.

South Africans are repeatedly subjected to electricity price increases while enduring ongoing load shedding and declining service reliability. These increases unfairly shift the cost of mismanagement and poor planning onto consumers who are already under economic strain.

NERSA is meant to protect the public interest, yet approving higher tariffs without enforcing accountability or visible improvements undermines public trust.

Electricity is a basic necessity, not a privilege. South Africans deserve reliable supply, transparency, and responsible governance.

Yours sincerely,...your name...

✉️ Example:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I wish to formally object to the ongoing failures of Eskom and the decisions approved by NERSA that continue to negatively impact South Africans.

Despite repeated tariff increases, electricity supply remains unreliable and load shedding persists. These costs are being passed on to citizens while accountability for poor management and ineffective leadership remains absent.

NERSA’s approval of continuous increases without strict performance conditions represents a failure in regulatory oversight. The public should not be punished financially for institutional shortcomings.

South Africans deserve affordable, stable electricity and leadership that accepts responsibility rather than shifting blame.

Yours faithfully,...your name...

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