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27 October 2024

My Broadband

Eskom Has a Problem

Original Article By Daily Investor

Eskom Price Hikes vs the World

Eskom faces a financial crisis as major customers reduce their reliance on its grid power, forcing the utility to compensate for lost sales through substantial tariff hikes. This trend has led to a “death spiral” of dwindling paying customers, as more South African households and companies turn to solar to avoid price increases and load-shedding.

Compounded by an escalating debt burden from municipalities—now at R85 billion and expected to reach R200 billion by 2028—Eskom’s financial sustainability is at risk. CFO Calib Cassim warned that without solutions to stem rising municipal debt, government debt relief will have a limited impact on Eskom’s long-term viability.

Read the full article here

22 October 2024

My Broadband

Eskom Kissing Monopoly Goodbye

Original Article By Hanno Labuschagne

Eskom Kissing monopoly goodbye

Energy expert Chris Yelland believes Eskom should focus on transmission and exit its generation and distribution businesses. With growing competition from independent power producers (IPPs) offering cheaper, renewable energy, Eskom’s rising tariffs, including a proposed 36.15% hike in 2025, make it less competitive.

Yelland warns Eskom’s strategy of increasing tariffs will lead to a “death spiral” of reduced sales and rising debt. He suggests that Eskom should leave the generation to private players and focus on its transmission division, which has been spun off as the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA).

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17 October 2024

My Broadband

Average Household Electricity Consumption Figures Questioned

Original Article By Hanno Labuschagne

Recent data shows that Eskom’s claim of 30kWh daily electricity consumption per household is significantly inflated. Independent sources, such as the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) and solar companies, estimate South African households consume between 6kWh to 15kWh per day. This lower consumption challenges Eskom’s justification for its proposed cost-reflective tariffs, which include higher fixed costs and lower variable charges.

Eskom’s tariff changes would disproportionately affect low-consumption households, increasing their bills by up to 82%, while high-consumption users would benefit. This pricing model could worsen the financial burden on lower-income families, raising concerns about fairness as Eskom continues advocating for its tariff structure under Nersa’s review.

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11 October 2024

My Broadband

Solar Power System vs Eskom Price Hike

Original Article By Hanno Labuschagne

Eskom vs Solar Price Compare
Solar power system prices have decreased substantially in 2024 due to oversupply and reduced demand for new installations. As a result, solar systems have become more affordable, especially with rent-to-own options and low-interest loans available from banks. A comparison of solar power system costs with Eskom electricity prices shows that households consuming 900kWh or more could already save up to R2,200 per month by switching to solar. Even smaller households could start saving money after Eskom’s planned price hikes in 2025, making solar power an increasingly viable option for the majority of South African homes.
 
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8 October 2024

My Broadband

Eskom Price Hikes vs the World

Original Article By Daniel Puchert

Eskom Price Hikes vs the World
If Eskom’s proposed 36.15% electricity price hike for 2025 is approved, South Africa could rank among the top 20 countries with the highest electricity tariffs globally. Currently ranked 50th, South Africa’s average electricity price is expected to rise from R3.29 per kWh to R5.05 per kWh. This increase would place it 18th or 22nd globally, depending on how electricity prices change in other countries.
 
Public policy expert Alex van den Heever criticized the hike, calling it a “lazy strategy” that fails to address Eskom’s inefficiencies, rising costs, and financial mismanagement. Despite 300% real tariff increases since 2007, Van den Heever argues that a more creative approach to Eskom’s finances and business model is necessary for long-term sustainability rather than relying solely on tariff hikes.
 
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6 October 2024

My Broadband

Warning Over Plans to Interfere with Price Hikes

Original Article By Hanno Labuschagne

Warning over price hike interferance
A tariff expert has warned that Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa may face legal challenges in his attempt to limit Eskom’s requested 36.15% electricity price hike for 2025, as political interference in tariff decisions could undermine Nersa’s authority. While Ramokgopa aims to keep increases below 20%, the courts have affirmed that Nersa alone regulates Eskom’s tariffs.
 
With electricity prices having risen by 850% since 2007, experts argue that Eskom’s inefficiencies, mismanagement, and failure to collect revenue should not be passed on to consumers, making any significant increase, even at 20%, difficult for the public to bear.
 
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4 October 2024

My Broadband

R2,400 Eskom Price Pain

Original Article By Daniel Puchert

Eskom R2400 price pain
 

Eskom’s proposed 36.15% electricity tariff hike for 2025/26 could significantly increase the financial burden on South African households. For those using 600kWh of electricity per month, the price could rise from R1,710 to R2,328.17, adding over R600 to their monthly bills. Homes consuming more power—such as 900kWh or 1,500kWh—could see increases between R1,400 and R2,400, depending on their Homepower category. Eskom’s application also includes a 43.55% hike for residents receiving electricity through municipal utilities, with further increases expected in the following years.

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2 October 2024

My Broadband

Eskom Explains Massive Price Hike

Original Article By Myles Illidge

Eskom Explains Price Hike

Eskom is set to implement significant electricity price hikes in 2025 due to rising operational costs, particularly in coal procurement and diesel usage for peak demand periods. The utility has already committed to paying contracted coal amounts, leaving it with little flexibility despite concerns about affordability and potential non-payment from consumers. Eskom’s COO, Calib Cassim, explained that even if the regulator disallows some costs in the revenue application, the utility must still cover these expenses, further complicated by restrictions on borrowing for operational costs due to its debt relief from the National Treasury.

The proposed price hikes include a 36.15% increase for direct customers starting in April 2025, and a 43.55% increase for municipal customers from June 2025.

Read the full article here

1 October 2024

BusinessTech

Government to Step Up Against Price Hikes

Original Article By Bloomberg

Government to step up against price hikes
South Africa’s government is planning to intervene in response to Eskom’s request to raise electricity tariffs by 36% for the next financial year. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa expressed confidence that measures will be implemented to provide relief before the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) makes its decision. The proposed hike is seen as a threat to economic growth, as electricity costs have increased by 600% since 2006.
 
The government aims to reduce electricity prices in the future by incorporating more renewable energy sources, as private companies build more power plants. Eskom has applied for further tariff increases of 11.8% in 2027 and 9.1% in 2028, but cities like Cape Town are opposing the hikes, with legal action being considered. The minister also highlighted the challenges posed by the European Union’s carbon border adjustment mechanism and South Africa’s plans to increase off-grid power supply to remote areas, aiming for 100% electricity access by 2029.

 

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26 September 2024

My Broadband

Eskom Recovering Diesel Debt

Original Article By Myles Illidge

 

Eskom’s application for a 36.15% electricity price hike in 2025 is driven by factors such as excessive diesel expenditure during intense load-shedding, rising coal prices, and the need for increased maintenance of its power generation fleet. Energy expert Matthew Cruise from Forest Energy Solutions explained that Eskom spent R15 billion on diesel in the last financial year to limit load-shedding, a cost not accounted for in its previous tariff applications. The rising global demand for coal, particularly from Europe and China, has made coal more expensive in South Africa, further contributing to Eskom’s operational costs. The utility has also embarked on significant maintenance efforts, which have helped reduce load-shedding but increased overall expenses.

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25 September 2024

My Broadband

Eskom Price Hike Timelines Announced

Original Article By Daniel Puchert

eskom asks for price hike

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has released the timeline for reviewing Eskom’s revenue application for the 2025/26, 2026/27, and 2027/28 financial years. Eskom has requested a tariff increase of 36.15% for direct customers and 43.55% for municipality-supplied residents for the 2025/26 period, followed by 11.81% and 3.36% increases for 2026/27, and 9.10% and 11.07% for 2027/28, respectively. The utility’s total revenue applications for these years amount to R446 billion for 2025/26, R495 billion for 2026/27, and R537 billion for 2027/28, citing energy costs, operational expenses, independent power producer contributions, and depreciation as key motivators.

Stakeholders have until 1 November 2024 to provide feedback on the application. Public hearings will occur from 18 November to 4 December across all provinces, with Nersa’s final decision expected on 20 December 2024. The hearings will start in the Western Cape and end in Gauteng, ensuring public participation throughout the process.

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17 September 2024

My Broadband

Eskom Quietly Shuts Down Koeberg Unit

Original Article By Myles Illidge

Eskom Shuts Down Koeberg Unit

 

Koeberg’s Unit 1 recently underwent extensive maintenance, including steam generator replacement, to extend its lifespan by 20 years. This work was completed after several delays, with the unit returning to service in November 2023. Eskom is now performing similar maintenance on Unit 2, which has been offline since December 2023. Both units are expected to undergo further 200-day outages to test their containment structures, a necessary step in maintaining the station’s long-term operational safety. The Nuclear Regulator has acknowledged that, due to these ongoing activities, it is unlikely both units will operate simultaneously for the foreseeable future.

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6 September 2024

My Broadband

Big Lie About Feed-In Meters

Original Article By Hanno Labuschagne

Big lie about pre-paid meters

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has flagged the high cost of bidirectional meters as a barrier to households and businesses registering their embedded generation systems. While some municipalities, like Cape Town and Ethekwini, do not require time-of-use (ToU) tariffs for solar users feeding electricity into the grid, other municipalities insist on these tariffs, adding to the cost burden. De Koker criticized municipalities like Tshwane for prioritizing expensive consultants over supporting solar users, despite the availability of affordable bidirectional meters online for as little as R2,099. The push for expensive meters could deter many potential solar adopters, hindering progress in renewable energy adoption across the country.

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3 September 2024

My Broadband

The Truth About Load-Shedding

Original Article By Hanno Labuschagne

Truth About Load Shedding

Eskom’s improved electricity generation in 2024 has led to a significant reduction in load-shedding, but this achievement isn’t solely due to the utility’s better performance.  With over 6,000MW of solar capacity now installed in homes and businesses, Eskom’s need for massive price hikes is partly to offset the revenue loss from this shift.

Despite Eskom’s operational improvements, including reduced unplanned outages and lower diesel costs, the demand reduction has been a major factor. Rooftop solar systems have allowed Eskom to avoid tapping into expensive peaking power stations during the day, saving billions. This shift has also resulted in a lower annual peak electricity demand, underscoring the growing impact of private solar on the country’s energy landscape. While Eskom’s turnaround is commendable, the influence of reduced demand, driven by private solar adoption, cannot be overlooked.

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1 September 2024

My Broadband

Dodgy Eskom Contracts

Original Article By Myles Illidge

Dodgy Eskom Contracts

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been authorized to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration involving nine contracts related to Eskom’s operations, focusing on coal and diesel procurement. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an amended proclamation on 30 August 2024, allowing the SIU to probe any unlawful conduct by Eskom officials, employees, suppliers, or other parties involved. The investigation covers contracts dating back to 1 March 2006 and includes high-profile deals with companies such as Tegeta Exploration and Resources, Optimum Coal Mine, SAP South Africa, and T-Systems International GmbH.

Read the full article here

1 September 2024

Daily Investor

Electricity Price Pain for South Africans

Original Article By Shaun Jacobs

Price Pain for South Africans

Eskom has announced that electricity prices are expected to rise further, as current tariffs still do not fully reflect the actual cost of producing electricity in South Africa. Despite the utility’s recent improvements in performance, including a significant reduction in load-shedding and a cut in diesel costs by over R10 billion, CEO Dan Marokane and Chairman Mteto Nyati have highlighted that Eskom’s financial health remains precarious. The utility’s debt burden, compounded by over R80 billion owed by municipalities, and historical underperformance have driven up the cost of electricity production.

The current pricing regime ties electricity tariffs to Eskom’s costs, meaning consumers will continue to bear the brunt of the utility’s financial struggles. Although tariffs have risen by over 500% since 2010, they still fall short of covering Eskom’s production costs. However, relief may be on the horizon as the South African government reviews the electricity pricing plan and opens up energy generation to the private sector.

Read the full article here

August 2024

News Archives

Changes coming for solar in south africa
Solar news

The Commission identified several key issues, including the dominance of imported products, high costs, lack of standards, and insufficient consumer education. To address these, they suggested promoting local manufacturing, facilitating financial mechanisms to lower costs, establishing mandatory product standards and installer certifications, and enhancing consumer awareness.

The Energy One Stop Shop within the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) acknowledged that bureaucracy and red tape are significant challenges in expanding renewable energy adoption but are working to streamline processes. Experts believe that while the intensity of renewable energy investments might decrease with reduced load shedding, ongoing policy commitments, such as South Africa’s goal to achieve net zero by 2050, will sustain demand in the long term.

Read the full article by BusinessTech here

South Africans who install solar power can start saving money immediately, even if they finance their systems through a home loan extension or a low-interest solar loan. With the cost of solar panels, inverters, and batteries dropping, and grid electricity prices soaring, the return-on-investment period for solar systems has shrunk significantly. In some cases, households can see net savings from day one, even while repaying their loans.

Even with the costs of loan repayments factored in, many households can reduce their monthly electricity bills right from the start. However, savings can vary depending on how much energy is consumed at night, making it important to choose the right system for individual needs.

Read the full article by My Broadband here
Cape Towns Price Hike
solar panels drop in price every year, while Eskom keep increasing

Xanthea Limberg, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, has raised concerns about the rising tampering with electricity meters, which she links to the steep Eskom price hikes. During a Newzroom Afrika interview, Limberg revealed that 12,000 meters in Cape Town had been tampered with, leading to significant electricity losses. She warned that this could disrupt supply in the future, as tampering complicates the city’s ability to accurately gauge demand and maintain the grid.

Limberg emphasized that the tampering surge is largely driven by soaring energy costs, which are exacerbating South Africa’s cost of living crisis, particularly for vulnerable households. Other metros, including Johannesburg and Tshwane, have also faced similar issues, resulting in the implementation of load reduction due to grid overloads caused by illegal connections. Despite civil rights organization AfriForum winning a court case against Nersa for using outdated methodologies to approve tariff hikes, Eskom’s price increases went ahead, further straining residents’ ability to afford electricity and leading to more tampering and supply challenges across the country.

Read the full article by My Broadband here

A study by Green Cape, a non-profit promoting green economy solutions, identified renewable energy, energy services, and electric vehicles as key investment opportunities for 2024. The organization suggests that increased adoption of solar panels and wind turbines could lead to more energy-efficient electricity generation by 2030.

Lourentius van der Westhuizen, a mitigation auditor, highlights the importance of energy efficiency, noting that proper solar installations can provide a return on investment within four to five years, despite the recent decrease in load shedding. He also points out that the closure of Hohm Energy was due to overstocking, not a decline in the solar market, as Eskom tariffs are expected to double in the next four years.

Read the full article by The Citizen here
eskom asks for price hike
South Africa’s massive electricity price hikes caused by mistake

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has confirmed that it received Eskom’s revenue application for the financial years 2025/26, 2026/27, and 2027/28. While the announcement did not detail the proposed price hikes, a recent report from the Daily Maverick suggested Eskom may be seeking a 43.55% increase for municipal customers and 36.15% for direct customers. Nersa clarified that this was only a draft and that the application must first undergo a regulatory compliance assessment before moving forward.

Nersa stated that the application would be published for stakeholder comment and public consultation once deemed compliant. This process is mandated by the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, which requires the regulator to carefully consider such applications according to the relevant laws and regulations. The methodologies used by Nersa have recently come under scrutiny, with Nhlanhla Gumede, head of electricity regulation at Nersa, highlighting that previous price increases were based on Eskom’s revenue needs rather than the actual cost of supply. Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has called for an urgent review of Nersa’s methodology to better address issues of affordability and efficiency amid the complexities of a liberalizing electricity market.

Read the full article by My Broadband here
Eskom’s electricity pricing has come under scrutiny as Nhlanhla Gumede, head of electricity regulation at Nersa, revealed that tariffs have been regulated based on revenue needs rather than actual supply costs. This misinterpretation of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA) led to a staggering 653% increase in tariffs between 2007 and 2022, far outpacing inflation. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has called for an urgent review of Nersa’s outdated methodology, citing the complexities introduced by the liberalisation of the electricity market and the need for a system that better addresses affordability and efficiency.

Recent legal challenges have highlighted the flaws in Nersa’s approach, with courts ruling that tariff hikes implemented without proper cost-of-supply studies are unlawful. AfriForum’s successful litigation against Nersa’s approval of municipal price increases exposed administrative failures and non-compliance, as many municipalities lacked the necessary studies to justify hikes. These issues have contributed to significant municipal debt to Eskom, exceeding R78 billion, and have created operational and financial challenges across the energy sector. Reforming Nersa’s regulatory framework is essential to ensuring fair and sustainable electricity pricing in South Africa.

Read the full article by My Broadband here
Eskom's experience problem
South Africa needs 40% electricity price increases
Eskom is facing significant challenges due to a loss of skilled and experienced workers, leading to underperforming power stations and preventable issues. Once one of Eskom’s best performers, Kendal Power Station is now operating at just 36% efficiency, largely because of a “haemorrhaging of skills.” This shortage of experienced professionals has been identified as a major factor in Eskom’s decline, with many skilled engineers and technicians leaving the company in recent years.

To address these issues, Eskom is focusing on both training new engineers and bringing back experienced professionals through a partnership with the private sector, initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This collaboration aims to redeploy experts to key power stations to improve reliability and increase power output. The initiative is part of broader efforts to stabilize South Africa’s energy sector and stimulate economic growth by addressing critical energy, transport, and infrastructure challenges.

Read the full article by Daily Investor here
James Mackay, CEO of the Energy Council of South Africa, has stated that while Eskom’s energy generation is currently stable, significant electricity price hikes are necessary to support the country’s transition to renewable energy. In an interview with 702, Mackay mentioned that South Africans should prepare for cost increases over the next two to three years. Eskom has requested a 36.15% tariff increase for direct customers, which could translate to a 43.55% increase for those receiving electricity through municipalities.

Mackay emphasized that these price hikes are essential for moving away from non-renewable energy sources and are not unique to South Africa; other countries like Australia and the US have faced similar challenges during their energy transitions. 

 
Read the full article by My Broadband here
 
Cape Town completes R14.6 million solar project
Joburg vs Eskom

The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has completed a R14.6 million solar energy project at the Kraaifontein Wastewater Treatment Plant, part of a broader initiative to reduce reliance on Eskom. This project, under the small-scale embedded generation programme (SSEG), is one of three renewable energy projects in the city, alongside a 330kWp project at the Goodwood Transport Management Centre and a 125kWp project at the Gugulethu Electricity Depot.

The Kraaifontein plant, which began construction at the end of 2023 and was completed by May 2024, is expected to generate 1.5 GWh of energy annually, saving the city R2.4 million in electricity costs. The CoCT is investing over R4 billion in the next three years to upgrade its electricity grid infrastructure, aiming to add 1 GW of independent power supply and protect against four stages of load-shedding by 2026.

Read the full article by My Broadband here

The legal battle between the City of Johannesburg and Eskom continues as the city’s power utility, City Power, has been granted leave to appeal a June High Court ruling that ordered it to pay Eskom R1 billion in unpaid bills. Eskom had initially taken the City of Joburg to court, claiming the city and City Power had defaulted on electricity payments since October 2023, leading to a debt of R3.4 billion by the time the case was lodged.

The court ruled in favor of Eskom, dismissing the City of Joburg’s counterclaim that Eskom owed it R3.4 billion due to overcharges and overbilling. However, City Power has now been allowed to appeal the decision, with the judge citing reasonable prospects of success in the appeal court. The appeal process has put the payment order on hold, and Eskom must cover the costs of two legal counsels.

Read the full article by BusinessTech here
New tax change to boost solar and renewables in South Africa
Solar news

South Africa’s National Treasury has proposed changes to the country’s carbon tax laws to encourage the growth of renewable energy projects. The draft 2024 Tax Laws Amendment Bill suggests amending the Carbon Offset Regulations, allowing taxpayers with embedded generation to reduce their carbon tax liabilities. While the current regulations permit a carbon offset allowance of up to 10% for projects up to 15MW, the proposed changes would increase the qualifying threshold to 30MW, enabling larger projects to benefit from the allowance.

This move aims to spur additional investment in embedded generation and utility-scale developments, supporting the country’s renewable energy goals. The changes are part of broader efforts to bolster South Africa’s green economy, alongside the significant growth in solar capacity—350MW added in Q2 2024—and the positive impact of reduced grid demand on Eskom’s operations. The proposed tax adjustments are expected to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy projects, contributing to the country’s energy security and sustainability.

Read the full article by BusinessTech here

Several solar loans with reduced interest rates, offered by major banks as part of South Africa’s Energy Bounce-Back (EBB) Loan Guarantee Scheme, are set to expire at the end of August 2024. This initiative, launched by the National Treasury, aimed to add 1,000MW of private solar capacity by incentivizing banks to offer low-interest loans for solar installations.

The EBB scheme provided banks with funds at the repo rate of 8.25%, plus a small fee, allowing them to offer solar loans at interest rates capped at prime plus 2.5%. The scheme covers 20% of the loan amount, with the banks covering 80%. This offer will end on 30 August 2024, after which the Treasury will assess its impact.

If you’re considering a solar loan, now might be the time to act before the EBB scheme’s special rates expire.

Read the full article by My Broadband here
 
End of loadshedding has a catch
South Africans pay 5x more for electricity

Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced that Eskom’s remarkable turnaround has brought South Africa within reach of ending load shedding. Over the past few months, Eskom has maintained an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of around 68%, a significant improvement aided by reduced breakdowns and strategic planning. South Africa has enjoyed 138 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since March 2024, including 104 days of constant supply during winter.

The new challenge facing South Africa is load reduction, which affects many local areas and municipalities despite improvements in national generation. The issue is driven by massive debts, with Eskom owed R78 billion by municipalities, which themselves are owed R349 billion by customers including households, businesses, and government. This financial strain has led to infrastructure neglect and outages affecting diligent bill-payers and vulnerable households alike.

Read the full article by BusinessTech here

South Africans are paying five times more for electricity in 2024 than in 2010 due to repeated above-inflation increases from Eskom. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced the government’s plan to create a new electricity pricing plan to limit future energy cost increases.

Nato Oosthuizen, a renewable energy expert at BDO, explained that Eskom’s severe financial situation, with over R400 billion in debt, is the main driver behind the steep increases in electricity costs. As more households and businesses turn to alternative energy sources like rooftop solar, Eskom’s revenue declines, leading to even greater financial challenges.

Read the full article by My Broadband here
south africans will feel the pain
Eskom's grid capacity warning

Nersa has approved electricity price hikes of 12.74% for 2024/25, following an 18.65% increase for the previous year. Eskom has also applied for a 36.15% tariff increase for 2025/26, which could result in municipal customers facing increases of up to 44% per kilowatt-hour.

The delays in South Africa’s renewable energy program have forced Eskom to rely more heavily on its coal-fired stations, exacerbating the need for higher tariffs to cover costs. This ongoing situation has led to a forecast of further steep electricity price increases for the next few years, impacting households and businesses across the country.

Read the full article by My Broadband here

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has rejected Eskom’s application to reserve grid capacity for renewable energy projects under the public procurement program. This decision has raised concerns within the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), which fears it could jeopardize the future of renewable energy in the country.

SAWEA is calling on Eskom and Nersa to address the grid allocation issues that are undermining the development of renewable energy and the open electricity market envisioned by the Electricity Regulation Act Amendment Bill. The association stresses the importance of collaboration between the industry and the Department of Electricity and Energy to ensure a sustainable and economically viable energy future for South Africa.

Read the full article by My Broadband here

Job Creation for Green energy in south africa
Eskom’s Massive Price Hikes Heading to Parliament

South Africa holds the highest potential for job creation in Africa within the solar and wind energy value chains, according to the Forecasting Green Jobs in Africa report. The study, conducted by Shortlist, FSD Africa, and Boston Consulting Group, highlights that South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria collectively represent 16% of the continent’s job creation potential, driven by factors such as population size, GDP, and industry maturity.

The report anticipates the creation of up to 3.3 million new green jobs across Africa, with the majority concentrated in the renewable energy sector, particularly solar power. Specifically85,000 to 275,000 new green jobs in South Africa are forecasted by 2030, primarily in energy and power production, agriculture and nature. Of these, 140,000 jobs are expected to be in the solar sector alone.

Read the full article by IT Web here

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for an urgent parliamentary debate regarding the rising cost of electricity in South Africa. This comes after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved Eskom’s request to recoup R8 billion from consumers for the 2021/22 financial year, which will result in a 4% increase in electricity costs.

DA’s Kevin Mileham points out that this increase is in addition to a proposed 36.15% tariff hike that Eskom is expected to request for 2025. Mileham has written to Speaker Thoko Didiza urging for immediate discussion, emphasizing the need for swift government intervention in response to the energy price crisis, which he attributes to Eskom’s inefficiency.

Read the full article by iAfrica here.

eskom pre-paid meters