PA and DA clash over Cape Town’s electricity tariffs

The political parties in Cape Town, specifically the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and the DA, are clashing over the city's electricity tariffs. The PA, led by mayoral hopeful Cheslyn Daniels, accuses the DA-led City of using Eskom as an "excuse" for high electricity costs, claiming that the City determines the tariffs paid by residents, including fixed service and wires charges.

On the other hand, DA councillor Angus McKenzie argues that Eskom remains the biggest driver of electricity costs, pointing out that about 70% of the City's electricity tariff income goes towards buying bulk power from Eskom. The City, however, maintains that the average residential increase in electricity tariffs was only 6.64%, which is lower than the 9.01% increase imposed by Eskom for the 2026/27 financial year.

The City also mentioned its efforts to reduce dependence on Eskom, including signing power purchase agreements with independent producers. The dispute is unfolding as the political parties gear up for the upcoming local government elections, with electricity affordability being a significant concern for households.

Brief written by urgent.news from IOL's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.