- The SDCEA seminar focused on addressing electricity tariff increases, load shedding, and promoting renewable energy, with participation from key environmental organisations.
- SDCEA’s Desmond D’Sa and Tristan Meek highlighted the financial burden of rising electricity costs and the history of load shedding and tariff hikes.
- Speakers like Fanelesibonge Magwaza and Siyethemba Luthuli emphasised the need for renewable energy and a Just Transition to address climate change and ensure future energy sustainability.
The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) held a seminar on July 9 at the Diakonia Council of Churches. The event addressed electricity tariff increases, load shedding, and renewable energy solutions.
Notable environmental organisations such as the Vukani Environmental Movement (VEM), Abahlali Base-Mjondolo (ABM), groundWork, and Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) attended the event.
“We have no money for electricity and water,” said SDCEA founder Desmond D’Sa. “We need a program that replaces coal-based electricity with solar panels.”
Tristan Meek of SDCEA explained the origins of load shedding. “Eskom realised electricity demand exceeded its generation. This shortage caused load shedding,” he said.
Load shedding began around 2007 and 2008. In 2009, tariffs rose by 31.3%. Between 2010 and 2013, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved annual increases of 24.8%, 25.8%, 16%, and 8%. The trend continued with a 12.69% increase in 2015, 5.23% in 2018, and 13.87% in 2019. For the 2020 financial year, tariffs increased by 15.63%, followed by 17.8% in 2021, 9.61% in 2022, and 12.74% in 2023. Eskom plans to request a 36.15% increase for 2025, with local authorities potentially implementing a 42.55% hike.
“The government provides significant financial support to Eskom amid corruption and mismanagement concerns,” Meek added.
Fanelesibonge Magwaza of groundWork emphasised the importance of renewable energy in addressing the climate crisis. “Renewable energy is essential in floods, droughts, and other devastation. A Just Transition is necessary,” said Magwaza. He stressed that a Just Transition involves decarbonising the economy, transitioning to sustainable land use, promoting equality, reducing emissions, and ensuring future readiness.
Siyethemba Luthuli from the Department of Energy addressed community concerns. “The municipality also buys electricity from Eskom. When Eskom raises prices, we have to raise ours too, but we try to find a middle ground,” Luthuli said. He emphasised the need for the municipality to adapt and accommodate renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power, to secure a sustainable future.