Ephraim Mogale residents hit hard by steep electricity price hike

MARBLE HALL – Residents of Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) are feeling the pinch after a 7.7% electricity tariff increase took effect, with many struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. The increase, attributed to Eskom’s inefficiencies, has sparked outrage from opposition parties, with DA Caucus Leader in EPMLM, Cllr Flip Jacobs, calling for accountability and transparency from the power utility.

“The continuous hikes are forcing residents to make tough decisions just to get by. Electricity is a fundamental right, not a luxury,” Jacobs stresses. “These relentless price hikes are pushing our residents to the edge, forcing them to sacrifice essentials just to keep the lights on,” Jacobs said, adding that the DA is committed to fighting the high costs.

The municipality had managed to keep the increase below NERSA’s proposed 9.01%, but Jacobs argues that’s still not enough.

The crux of the issue, Jacobs argues, lies in Eskom’s alleged mismanagement and corruption.

“Years of inefficiencies have led to this crisis, and it’s the vulnerable communities that are paying the price. It’s a travesty that residents are being held accountable for a broken system they had no hand in creating,” Jacobs said.

He added that the DA is pushing for transparency and accountability, demanding that those responsible for Eskom’s woes face consequences.

“We can’t allow the financial strain on our residents to continue unchecked,” Jacobs emphasizes.

While the municipality’s efforts to mitigate the increase are acknowledged, Jacobs makes it clear that the DA will continue to challenge high electricity costs head-on.

“We are committed to fighting for our residents, for whom every rand counts,” he said.

As the community grapples with the impact of this increase, Eskom’s silence is deafening.

Eskom Limpopo Regional Spokesperson, Matshdiso Phaladi, has yet to respond to inquiries.