Skyrocketing electricity bills crushing South African households and businesses, admits Ramokgopa
Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has conceded that rising electricity prices are placing a heavy burden on households
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Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has conceded that rising electricity prices are placing a heavy burden on households and businesses across the country.
Ramokgopa said this in a parliamentary response to African National Congress (ANC) MP Fasiha Hassan, who asked him what the government was doing to reduce electricity costs and address energy poverty. Hassan also asked him what concrete actions and policy measures had been developed to bring down electricity costs and protect vulnerable households following recent tariff increases.
Ramokgopa said the government is taking a range of measures to address rising electricity costs and energy poverty.
"The Department of Electricity and Energy acknowledges that the rising cost of electricity presents a serious challenge to households, businesses, and the broader economy," he said.
"The Department remains committed to ensuring that the price of electricity is affordable, reflective of the real cost of supply, and consistent with the objective of achieving energy security and inclusive growth. In responding to this challenge, the Department has developed a range of policy and structural measures aimed at stabilising and, over time, reducing the cost trajectory of electricity."
He outlined that some of the measures the government is implementing include improving Eskom’s operational efficiency, expanding procurement from independent power producers, and promoting competition in the electricity sector.
He said the government was also working to reduce municipal inefficiencies and non-payment through Distribution Agency Agreements, while expanding support for low-income households via Free Basic Electricity and the Universal Access Programme.
"In addition, the Department will commence a review of the National Energy Efficiency Programme, which focuses on promoting the efficient use of energy across households, public facilities, and industry."
"The programme aims to lower energy demand, reduce costs for consumers, and encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and technologies. Through these initiatives, the Department seeks to strengthen affordability, reduce household energy burdens, and promote responsible energy use."
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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