The Democratic Alliance (DA) is urging South Africans to “show up in their numbers” during the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa’s) public hearings between November 18 and December 4, to oppose Eskom’s tariff hike proposal.

The sixth multiyear price determination, published by Nersa, shows that Eskom has applied for allowable revenue of R446-billion for the 2025/26 financial year, which, if granted, would translate to a tariff increase for direct Eskom customers of 36.15% on April 1 next year, and a 43.55% hike in municipal tariffs from July 1.

The three-year application also includes total revenue requests of R495-billion and R537-billion for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years, with associated hikes of 11.81% and 9.1% for the two outer years should the 36.15% increase have been approved in the first year.

The DA called Eskom’s request “outrageous” and said if granted, already struggling South Africans would face increased living costs.

“Eskom's continuous drive to increase tariffs without delivering reliable, affordable electricity is unsustainable and unacceptable. These increases threaten households, businesses, municipalities, and the broader economy. The DA has already launched a petition to block these hikes, but we need the collective power of every South African to ensure Nersa listens,’ said DA spokesperson on energy and electricity Kevin Mileham.

He said DA-led governments across the country were prepared to challenge any increases, if Nersa approved them.

The DA wants all South Africans to take part in Nersa’s public hearings later this year, describing it as an opportunity to “stand up against a broken energy system”.

The DA has also launched a ‘StopPowerGrab’ petition as part of its efforts.