Ramokgopa to unveil revised electricity pricing policy

South Africa's Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to outline the country's revised electricity pricing policy at a media briefing on 18 August, as government's focus shifts from supply stability to the affordability of power.

The Department of Electricity and Energy said the revised framework is intended to modernise the country's electricity pricing system and align tariffs with ongoing reforms in the energy sector. 

Channel Africa reports that the announcement comes as South Africa continues to experience improved supply conditions following the end of load-shedding, shifting greater attention onto the cost of electricity for households, businesses and industry.

According to the department, the revised policy aims to introduce a more cost-reflective tariff structure while maintaining protections for low-income consumers and support for struggling industries. 

Ramokgopa has previously said the policy would categorise customers – from the poor through to large industrial users – and could see an increase in the baseline allocation of free basic electricity, funded through more efficient use of the existing subsidy from the National Treasury rather than additional fiscal burden.

The revised policy is scheduled to be published for public comment on 21 August, giving stakeholders, businesses and consumers an opportunity to respond before implementation.

Government said the consultation process would be central to ensuring the new pricing framework supports economic growth while protecting vulnerable consumers.

Today’s media briefing was scheduled for 13:00 at GCIS, Tshedimosetso House, Hatfield, Pretoria.