The City of Mbombela (CoM) has proposed an 11.6% electricity tariff increase for the 2026/27 financial year, set to take effect this July.

CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala emphasised that the proposed hike is awaiting council approval, before being presented for public participation.

“Before the electricity tariffs can be implemented, there are specific processes we must follow. Our residents, who are our customers, need to come on board and have their say. The council also needs to debate the matter and reach an agreement on the appropriate increase,” he explained.

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“This will be largely driven by Eskom, as they provide us with the cost of supply. Furthermore, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) must review and approve our proposed increase,” he said.

According to Ngala, an increase is inevitable, as Eskom will be raising its own rates and the CoM must do the same to ensure the city does not operate at a loss.

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Meanwhile, Nersa has already approved an 8.76% electricity price hike for April this year, followed by an 8.83% increase scheduled for April 2027.

This decision was a redetermination of Eskom’s price paths for the next two years, which were originally projected at much lower rates of 5.36% for 2026/27 and 6.19% for 2027/28.