Electricity is something we all need — to cook, keep warm, study, and work. But in South Africa, it’s becoming more expensive again. In 2025, people across the country are now paying more for electricity. This increase is putting pressure on families and small businesses who are already trying hard to manage their budgets.
Let’s break down what this new price hike means for you, why it happened, and how you can cope with it.
What Is the New Electricity Price Increase?
As of April 1, 2025, electricity prices for Eskom’s direct customers have gone up. For people who get electricity from local municipalities, the new prices start on July 1, 2025. The average increase is about 12.74%.
To give you a real-world example:
If your home uses around 600 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity per month, you’ll now pay over R150 more every month.
That may not seem like a huge amount to some, but for many families earning under R5,000 per month, this extra cost is hard to manage.
How Are Businesses Affected?
It’s not just homes that are affected. Small businesses like:
- Bakeries
- Hair salons
- Grocery stores
…are all using a lot of electricity every day. Now they have to spend more money to keep running. Many of them may increase the prices of their goods and services to cover the extra cost, which means customers will feel the pinch even more.
Why Are Prices Going Up?
Eskom, the national power company, says the price hike is needed to:
- Pay for repairs and maintenance
- Buy more fuel
- Build new power stations
Eskom has had many problems over the years — including poor planning, lack of investment, and load shedding (when the power goes off on purpose to save electricity).
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) agreed to the new prices. They say they tried to keep things fair by thinking about both Eskom’s needs and what people can afford. Still, many South Africans feel like they’re not being heard.
What Does It Mean for Your Home?
For families already struggling with food prices, rent, and school fees, this electricity increase adds more pressure. People now have to make difficult choices, like:
- Should I cook a hot meal or keep the lights on?
- Should I buy electricity or pay for transport to work?
Because of this, many households are trying other options like:
- Gas stoves
- Solar lights
- Paraffin heaters
But using things like paraffin comes with risks like fire hazards and health problems.
There is a Free Basic Electricity (FBE) program that gives up to 50 kWh per month to poor families — but many say that’s no longer enough in 2025.
Does This Mean Load Shedding Will End?
You might think paying more means the lights will stay on. Sadly, that’s not the case.
Eskom says they still need to do maintenance, and this means load shedding will continue in the short term. In other words:
- You’ll pay more
- But you might still sit in the dark
The goal is to fix the system over time, but improvements won’t happen overnight.
What Are People Saying?
Many South Africans are angry. On social media, people are sharing:
- Complaints
- Funny memes
- Calls for change
Some groups want the government to take stronger action and bring in more independent power producers (IPPs). These are private companies that can help generate electricity, giving people more options and possibly better prices.
Some frustrated residents — especially in rural and township areas — say they might stop paying for electricity altogether. That’s a worrying sign that trust in Eskom and the government is falling.
What Can You Do to Save on Electricity?
While you can’t stop the price hike, here are a few tips that can help you lower your bill:
1. Switch to a Prepaid Meter
These meters let you see how much electricity you’re using and help you stay on budget.
2. Use Solar Power If You Can
Solar panel prices are going down. Some homes are now using solar kits to power lights and small devices.
3. Be Smart With Appliances
Use big appliances like washing machines and geysers during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening).
4. Check Local Support Programs
Some towns and cities offer free electricity units or discounts if you meet certain income levels. Visit your local municipality office or website to find out more.
What’s Next for South Africa’s Electricity?
This issue isn’t going away anytime soon. Eskom still has big financial problems. Load shedding isn’t ending yet. And prices may continue to rise in the next few years.
But there is hope. South Africa is slowly moving toward:
- More solar and wind energy
- Letting private companies help generate electricity
- Long-term plans to upgrade the system
These changes can take time, but they could bring more reliable and cheaper power in the future.
Final Thoughts
The electricity price increase is more than just numbers — it’s a real problem affecting real people. It’s forcing families to cut back, making small businesses struggle, and pushing citizens to rethink how they use energy.
Until things get better, every little bit of savings counts. By being smart with energy, exploring cheaper options, and staying informed, you can manage your bill and still keep your lights on.
FAQ’S
1. Why is electricity so expensive in South Africa now?
Electricity prices have increased due to Eskom’s rising costs for fuel, maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades. Years of mismanagement and load shedding have also made operations more expensive.
2. How much is electricity per kWh in South Africa 2025?
As of 2025, the average electricity tariff for Eskom direct customers has increased by about 12.74%, making the cost around R2.07 per kWh, depending on the customer type and usage level.
3. Can I reduce my electricity bill in South Africa?
Yes. You can reduce your bill by using energy-saving appliances, switching to prepaid meters, installing solar panels, and using electricity during off-peak hours.