How much have Eskom tariffs increased?
South African residential electricity tariffs have increased from approximately R0.40/kWh in 2010 to over R3.00/kWh in 2026 — an increase of more than 650% in 16 years, far outpacing inflation (CPI averaged ~5% per year over the same period).
Year-by-year tariff increase history
| Year | NERSA approved increase | Cumulative increase since 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| 2010/11 | 24.8% | 24.8% |
| 2011/12 | 25.8% | 57.1% |
| 2012/13 | 16.0% | 82.3% |
| 2013/14 | 8.0% | 96.9% |
| 2014/15 | 8.0% | 112.7% |
| 2015/16 | 12.7% | 139.5% |
| 2016/17 | 9.4% | 162.0% |
| 2017/18 | 5.2% | 175.4% |
| 2018/19 | 5.3% | 190.0% |
| 2019/20 | 13.9% | 230.3% |
| 2020/21 | 15.1% | 280.0% |
| 2021/22 | 15.1% | 337.2% |
| 2022/23 | 9.6% | 379.3% |
| 2023/24 | 18.7% | 468.5% |
| 2024/25 | 12.7% | 540.4% |
| 2025/26 | 11.0% | 610.0% (est.) |
What this means for solar ROI
Every time Eskom raises tariffs, your solar system becomes more valuable — because each kWh you generate yourself is worth more.
If tariffs continue rising at 12% per year (the MYPD average), a homeowner paying R3,000/month today will be paying over R9,300/month in 2036 without solar. With solar, their bill stays near zero.
NERSA's forward projections
Eskom's MYPD6 submission (2025/26–2029/30) requested 36.1% for the first year, but NERSA approved 11%. Going forward, Eskom has stated it needs annual increases of 10–15% to service debt and maintain infrastructure. Analysts broadly expect tariffs to at least double again by 2035.
The solar hedge
Solar panels lock in your electricity cost at approximately R0 per kWh for the next 25 years. The higher Eskom tariffs go, the better your solar investment looks. It's one of the few inflation hedges available to South African homeowners.
Calculate how much you'd save based on your bill and location.