South Africans could face another major electricity price increase in 2027 after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa opened public consultation on Eskom’s proposed tariff changes.

The proposed adjustments form part of Eskom’s Retail Tariff Structural Adjustment process and would take effect from 1 April 2027.

The average increase proposed for 2027/28 is 8.8%.

Public comment now open

NERSA has gazetted the consultation document and invited stakeholders to submit comments before 2 October 2026.

The regulator said it would consider the submissions before making a final decision.

The proposed 8.8% increase follows an 8.8% hike for Eskom customers in April 2026, while municipal customers faced a 9% increase from July.

Electricity prices also rose by close to 13% in 2025.

Fixed charges also being adjusted

Eskom is also proposing changes to fixed charges under Nersa’s Retail Tariff Plan.

The utility said Homepower and Homeflex service charges must increase to become more cost-reflective as the phased implementation of these charges enters its third year.

To prevent the overall increase from exceeding the proposed 8.8%, Eskom said it would reduce energy rates for these tariffs.

The Generation Capacity Charge is expected to rise in line with the average adjustment, with no additional balancing required.

Households face more pressure

The latest proposal comes after years of steep electricity increases.

According to the source, electricity prices have risen by more than 900% since 2008, compared with inflation of about 230% over the same period.

Eskom has acknowledged that continued above-inflation increases are not sustainable, while government has also proposed policy measures aimed at limiting future price shocks.

However, the utility’s long-term forecasts still assume electricity price growth of around 6% a year from 2029 to 2050.

Nersa said written submissions on the 2027 proposal can be sent electronically, delivered to its Pretoria offices or posted.

The deadline for public comments is 16:00 on 2 October 2026.