DA - Democratic Alliance

13/11/2024 | Press release | Archived content

NERSA must overturn snubbing of Northern Cape residents, in public hearing plan

NERSA must overturn snubbing of Northern Cape residents, in public hearing plan

Issued by Kevin Mileham MP - DA Spokesperson on Energy and Electricity

13 Nov 2024 in News

The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) overturns its unacceptable decision to snub the people of the Northern Cape in its schedule of Public Hearings on Eskom's outrageous 40% tariff hike request.

NERSA's published schedule snubs the Northern Cape, and excludes the people of the Northern Cape by having zero hearings scheduled in that Province. Instead, it believes that every resident of the Northern Cape should travel to the Free State to make their voice heard in these crucial hearings.

The hearings which start next week, are incredibly important for the people of South Africa to have an opportunity to reject Eskom's ridiculous tariff hike requested for next year that could amount to an overall increase in power prices of 40%. The DA calls for all South Africans to attend these hearings, and speak out against Eskom's proposed cost-of-living bombshell - 40% more on your electricity bill next year.

The entire population of the Northern Cape is being rendered voiceless by NERSA. The DA demands that NERSA corrects this, and schedules hearings in the Northern Cape.

We give NERSA 5 days to correct this, else we will be forced to take further action.