Confusion over Komani electricity hike as municipality responds

Residents in Komani are still waiting for a final decision on a proposed electricity tariff increase after Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality confirmed that no increase has been approved yet, despite growing concern over a possible hike of up to 12.01%.

The clarification follows widespread concern and political criticism after reports emerged suggesting that council had approved a double-digit increase in electricity tariffs, which would have placed additional financial pressure on households and businesses already facing rising living costs.

Municipality: No approval yet, still an application

In response to a media enquiry from Komani News, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality spokesperson Sandiso Melikhaya Gcobo confirmed that council has not approved any tariff increase at this stage.

“Council has not approved the increase but has noted the proposal when the 2026/27 Draft Budget was presented in a Special Council Meeting on the 31 of March 2026,” Gcobo said.

He explained that the proposed increase remains subject to approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) and forms part of an ongoing application process.

“The increase may be effected if the energy regulator (NERSA) approves the proposed tariff. This is still an application,” he added.

This means that while the municipality has tabled the proposal as part of its budgeting process, no final decision has been taken, and residents will only see changes if the regulator grants approval.

DA raises concern over proposed increase

The Democratic Alliance (DA) had earlier raised concerns about a potential electricity tariff increase of up to 12.01%, warning that such an increase could have serious consequences for residents and businesses in the area.

The party argued that the proposed hike comes at a time when many households are already struggling with affordability, particularly following recent increases in property rates and fuel prices.

It also claimed that alternative proposals — including seeking relief through National Treasury on cost-reflective tariffs — were not advanced during council processes.

Cost pressures remain a key concern

Electricity tariffs remain one of the most sensitive issues for residents in Komani, where unemployment levels remain high and many households are already under financial strain.

Any increase in electricity prices would have a direct impact on both households and local businesses, potentially raising the cost of living and operating expenses across the town.

The municipality has previously indicated that tariff adjustments are often linked to rising bulk electricity costs from Eskom, infrastructure maintenance requirements, and regulatory compliance — factors that continue to affect municipalities across South Africa.

What happens next?

The proposed increase will now be considered as part of the regulatory process, with NERSA expected to make a determination on whether the tariff adjustment can be implemented.

Until then, no increase has been formally approved or implemented.

Komani News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available, particularly regarding the outcome of the NERSA process and any further decisions by council.