GEORGE NEWS - No electricity tariff increases will be approved without a proper public participation process.

Speaking in Council on Tuesday, Mayor Browen Johnson said electricity is a "bread-and-butter issue" that directly affects households and businesses. 

He gave the assurance that the George Municipality would not accept steep electricity tariffs without a fight. 

"We are not merely dealing with a technical report. We are talking about keeping the lights on, fridges running, and small businesses open. Electricity is not a luxury - it is a necessity," he said during his address.

The proposed increases follow national approvals by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), with Eskom's bulk tariff increases placing pressure on municipalities. Nationally, approved increases amount to a compounded rise of about 18% over two years.

'We will ask questions'

Johnson made it clear that George would not simply pass these costs on to its residents.

"We will not just nod in submission and pass these increases on. We will ask questions. We will analyse. We will protect our residents," he said.

He stressed that the tariffs must be strictly cost-reflective - "not one cent more, not one cent less" - and that paying residents cannot be expected to carry the burden of poor revenue collection, rising bad debt or inflated internal allocations.

Indigent support

Johnson also emphasised that indigent support and free basic electricity must be properly funded through the equitable share and not indirectly shifted onto paying consumers.

Importantly, he committed to ensuring that residents' voices are heard before any final decision is taken.

"I want to send the comments to Nersa and Eskom, telling them: 'This is what our people say. We can't afford the increases,'" Johnson said.

Public participation process

Council will now begin a formal public participation process on the electricity cost of supply (COS) implementation.

The proposed 2026/27 tariff increase, due to take effect on 1 July, will only be finalised after public input has been considered and after Nersa has formally approved Eskom's bulk increase.

Residents will have the opportunity to submit comments before Council makes a final decision.

Good vibes

Deputy Mayor Gert van Niekerk of the FF Plus said he has never had such an amazing working relationship before within the FF Plus and DA coalition. "I am actually looking forward to go to the office in the mornings," he said. 

"This is how a coalition is supposed to work. It is such a pleasure to sit around a table and discuss items, and know you are genuinely being heard. We support the mayor and our coalition partners wholeheartedly in their decision."

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