Open Letter: Civil Society Requests a Review of the Electricity Pricing Policy of 2008 and How Power Systems are Funded

11 February 2026

Open Letter: Civil Society Requests a Review of the Electricity Pricing Policy of 2008 and How Power Systems are Funded

Dear Honourable Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa,

We write this letter as a collective of South African civil society organisations out of deep concern regarding the current electricity pricing policy and its growing impact on vulnerable communities.

Access to affordable and reliable electricity is not only a driver of economic growth but also a cornerstone of social equity and human development. Electricity tariff structures, however, have placed a disproportionate burden on low- and middle-income households. As of 2024, around 13.2 million people in South Africa are living in extreme poverty, with the poverty threshold at 2.15 U.S. dollars daily. This means that 139,563 more people were pushed into poverty compared to 2023. Moreover, the headcount was forecast to increase in the coming years. By 2030, over 13.4 million South Africans will live on a maximum of 2.15 U.S. dollars per day.

For marginalized communities, electricity has shifted from being a necessity to an unaffordable expense. There is an impact on families whose children will have to use candle light to do their studies, fire risks, health concerns, people having to resort to paraffin use and unhealthy cooking with coal among other immediate concerns.

Considering these concerns, we respectfully request that your office undertake a comprehensive review of the electricity pricing policy, and how the national and local power systems should be funded. Such a review should meaningfully consider:

Treating electricity as a human right in the 21st century will be enjoyed automatically by all people living in South Africa. The increased cost to the state to be covered by increased taxation to a progressive tax system.
Broad and meaningful stakeholder consultation and participation.

We firmly believe that the proposed policy change is fully in alignment with both our National Constitution and subsequent national development goals. Civil society stands ready to engage constructively with your ministry to contribute data, community perspectives, and policy recommendations.

We thank you for your attention and look forward to your response.

On behalf of: