{
  "id": 15785275,
  "title": "DA says working on affordable and transparent electricity tariffs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/da-says-working-on-affordable-and-transparent-electricity-tariffs",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T17:14:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/da-says-working-on-affordable-and-transparent-electricity-tariffs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Democratic Alliance (DA) is advocating for changes to the National Electricity Regulation Act, urging NERSA to disclose the actual costs associated with electricity tariffs. This proposed amendment aims to provide consumers with certainty, transparency, and cost-effective tariffs, thereby alleviating financial burdens on households and businesses. The party's stance on this issue was reinforced during a recent press briefing, where they emphasized their commitment to combating what they perceive as unfair electricity tariff increases. These efforts are crucial as reliable electricity has become a necessity for many South Africans who continue to struggle with access to adequate power. Kevin Mileham, the DA's Energy and Electricity spokesperson, stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive plan for the future, emphasizing affordable and transparent electricity prices. In Cape Town, the DA-led municipality is investing in solar and battery power solutions to lessen dependence on Eskom and improve the reliability and affordability of electricity. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is set to launch the city's solar and battery project, which is expected to contribute significantly to the city's energy strategy. The DA also called for amendments to the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act to prevent the introduction of retrospective tariffs, a move prompted by last year's NERSA tariff calculation error, which resulted in a R54 billion adjustment. Mileham highlighted that consumers should not be burdened with the consequences of such calculation errors. In the Free State, the DA has pledged to alleviate the financial strain on residents by ring-fencing electricity revenue to ensure it is used efficiently. They plan to invest in critical infrastructure to provide stable power and strengthen law enforcement to combat electricity infrastructure theft and vandalism. The party also aims to target hotspots with frequent power outages and vandalism, promising improvements to bulk infrastructure after the 2026 Local Government Elections.",
  "summary": "The DA in the Free State promised to lessen the burden of electricity costs for Mangaung residents",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}