DA petition against Eskom’s exorbitant hikes rapidly surpasses 12 000 signatures

Please find attached a soundbite by Kevin Mileham MP.

As of today, over 12 000 South Africans have signed the DA petition to Parliament against the proposed 40% electricity tariff increase by Eskom. This is the start of an overwhelming response and demonstrates widespread public concern over the effect that the proposed tariff increases will have on household incomes, businesses, and the economy.

We urge all South Africans to make their voices heard through this petition by registering support at www.StopPowerGrab.da.org.za.

Should NERSA grant Eskom’s request for a 36,15% tariff increase in 2025, in addition to the 4% that it wants to levy on consumers through its Regulatory Clearing Account, many households will be priced out of the electricity market and forced to abandon electricity use altogether.

The petition has become all the more important after the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, acceded to the DA’s request for a debate of national importance on the escalating costs of electricity on consumers.

The DA’s practical action will push back against the rapidly rising cost of electricity because we care deeply about this cost of living crisis. Last week, Mayors in DA-run municipalities submitted written objections to NERSA on Eskom’s upcoming tariff demand. These out-of-control tariffs will be devastating to local economies and could lead to job losses, further exacerbating the unemployment crisis.

With the ever-increasing cost of living, double-digit tariff increases will keep inflationary pressures high and force consumers to choose between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table.

The DA believes that the burden of Eskom’s operational inefficiencies should not be passed on to hard-working South Africans.

The DA thanks everyone who has supported the petition against the high tariff increases and we strongly encourage everyone in South Africa to make their voices heard.

As we prepare for the upcoming parliamentary debate, we urge all South Africans to stand with the DA and voice their opposition to these unjustifiable price hikes.