Loadshedding.com
Civil society organisation #StandUpSA rose to fight for justice in the energy sector. They knew that millions of their fellow citizens struggled to afford basic necessities due to the high cost of electricity. A stagnant local economy and widespread unemployment only added to their burden.
The Turning Point: Tariff Adjustment
Today, #StandUpSA noticed a significant change – ESKOM and NERSA announced an electricity tariff adjustment from 18% to 10%. While this was a step in the right direction, the increase remains out of reach for many South Africans who were out of work and grappling with the stagnant economy.
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
Filled with gratitude, #StandUpSA expressed their appreciation to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) and ESKOM for listening to the voices of many South Africans. By taking action to alleviate the burden of high electricity costs on those who needed it most, they achieved a significant victory for #StandUpSA and for all South Africans who stood together in the fight for justice.
The Ongoing Commitment
Encouraged by this progress, #StandUpSA pledged to continue engaging with both Eskom and NERSA, ensuring that ordinary citizens’ voices would be heard and taken into account when it came to future tariff increments.
A Looming Challenge: Municipalities and the Cost of Living
However, #StandUpSA remained concerned about an 18.65% increase that would be charged to the municipalities on 1 July 2023. They knew that these costs would be transferred to consumers, leading to a knock-on effect on the cost of living, and subsequently, increased prices of food and transport.
A Call to Action: Responsible Municipal Pricing
Determined to keep fighting, #StandUpSA called on municipalities to exercise caution when increasing their prices. They vowed not to hesitate in their quest for fair prices for all South Africans from these respective municipalities.
The Power of Public Engagement
#StandUpSA realized that meaningful engagement and consultation with the public were crucial in developing fair and sustainable energy policies that would benefit all South Africans.
The Advocacy Continues
So, as a civil society movement, #StandUpSA continues to advocate for transparency, accountability, and social justice in the energy sector. They promise to keep fighting for the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized in society, ensuring that their voices would not be silenced.
In the end, the story of #StandUpSA demonstrates that when people come together to fight for justice, they can create real change and make a difference in the lives of many. As the journey continues, #StandUpSA remains committed to standing up for the rights of all South Africans, making the world a better and fairer place for all.
Read the official press release here: https://loadshedding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NERSA-and-ESKOM-update.pdf
Load Shedding Reporter 
