 | Drakenstein residents say no to Eskom's proposed 40% electricity tariff hike
01 October 2024 | Press Releases |
1 October 2024
Residents of Drakenstein, led by Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, braved the pouring rain yesterday morning (30 September 2024) as they took to the streets of Paarl in a peaceful community-driven march against Eskom's excessive proposed electricity tariff increase of 40%.
Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, also attended the march, which started at the Huguenot Train Station in Paarl East and ended at the Civic Centre in Paarl.
The march came after Executive Mayor Korabie formally objected against the proposed electricity tariff hike of Eskom last month when he wrote a letter on behalf of the residents of Drakenstein to the board of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).
Councillor Korabie pointed out that the proposed increase would have a devastating impact on low-income households, who would be forced to choose between necessities and electricity. The same goes for local businesses, which would face increased operational costs and potential job losses.
A petition in which the community demands Eskom to reconsider the tariff hike and consider alternative sustainable solutions was handed over to Dr Johan Leibbrandt, City Manager of Drakenstein Municipality.
In solidarity with the residents, Dr Leibbrandt signed the petition and will bring it to the attention of NERSA on behalf of the entire community of Drakenstein.
Petition against Eskom's proposed electricity tariff hike - 30 September 2024
To: City Manager, Dr Johan Leibbrandt
Drakenstein Municipality
We, the undersigned residents of Drakenstein, strongly reject the proposed 40% price hike by Eskom. This drastic increase will have devastating consequences on our community, particularly the most vulnerable.
*Background*
Eskom's ongoing financial struggles and inefficient management have led to this unsustainable price hike. As residents, we are already burdened with high electricity costs, and this increase will exacerbate poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship.
*Consequences of the Price Hike*
- Unaffordable electricity: Low-income households will struggle to pay their bills, leading to increased debt and disconnections.
- Economic hardship: Businesses will face increased operational costs, threatening job security and economic growth.
- Food insecurity: Higher electricity costs will increase food prices, affecting the most vulnerable.
- Social unrest: The price hike will exacerbate existing social tensions.
- Drakenstein Municipality will also struggle to deliver the services we require.
*Demands*
- Reject the 40% price hike: We urge the Drakenstein Municipality to demand that Eskom will withdraw This Electricity Price Hike.
- Explore alternative energy solutions: Invest in renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on Eskom.
- Improve energy efficiency: Implement measures to reduce energy consumption.
- Protect vulnerable residents: Implement subsidies or assistance programmes for low-income households.
*Call to Action*
We urge Eskom to:
- We urge Eskom to reconsider this Electricity Price Hike.
- Develop alternative energy strategies.
- Provide relief measures for vulnerable residents.
*Conclusion*
The proposed 40% price hike is unacceptable. We, the residents of Drakenstein, demand a more equitable and sustainable solution.
Let's stand together against this unsustainable price hike!
[END]
Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
