Dr Lehohla’s condemnation of the official embrace of renewables is premised on an incontrovertible reality: the economically illogical abandonment of the country’s ‘black gold’—coal—in exchange for expensive, imported so-called renewables.

Expanding on that, Lehohla points out that the costs of the so-called just energy transition (JET)  are what is driving up Eskom’s new, unaffordable tariff charges. In that regard, he dismisses as a false narrative Eskom’s claim that load shedding was mitigated by the generation of 6,000 megawatts by renewables.

Indeed, the entire JET exercise is based not only on false science but on utterly disingenuous economics, which is why Dr Lehohla brands JET as a “Trojan horse that will further damage our energy security.”

It is deliberate, educated ignorance to premise decarbonisation and its corollary, de-industrialisation, on the falsehood of human-driven global warming. But unfortunately, the Orwellian agendas of global power elites which have captured all but a few political leaders like Donald Trump and Javier Milei of Argentina, prevail in South Africa.

A superb example of the Trojan horse direction of which Dr Lehohla warns features in the Business Report of October 15. Deceitfully, the report claims the newly formed Investment Forum will “unlock funding for renewable energy.”

The key word in that is “lock” because its meaning is ambivalent. For the investors, it promises an unlocked cascade of financial returns from its captive client, South Africa. But for South Africans, it means being locked into ever-higher electricity costs and state indebtedness to global controllers.

The projection that annual investment in renewable capacity will have to triple every year until 2030 to reach the false, unscientific target of staving off a 1,5° C temperature increase, makes it clear that financial enslavement to an oligarchy is what the future holds.

This direction is more than an exercise in stupidity, as Dr Lehohla states. It is brazen betrayal and treason. The absolutely unaffordable 36% tariff increase that Eskom is demanding is largely the result of JET madness and carbon tax.

The effect of a 36%  tariff hike is going to result in terminal impoverishment as the prices of everything will become unaffordable for all except the elites and the politicians. Unless the GNU wakes up to the JET Trojan horse, whatever else it may achieve will be worthless.

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The proposed increase is part of Eskom’s effort to implement “cost-reflective pricing,” which the utility claims is necessary to cover the true cost of generating and distributing power. Historically, Nersa has rejected Eskom’s pricing adjustments, contributing to the utility’s financial woes and delaying much-needed reforms. However, questions arise as to how accurately these costs have been calculated and whether this is another overreach by Eskom and the energy regulator.

While Eskom insists this approach will prevent sharp, sudden hikes in the future, consumers are already reeling from a 350% increase in electricity prices since 2010—far outpacing the 67.8% rise in inflation over the same period. This steep escalation in costs comes at a time when South Africa’s economy is struggling, with households facing mounting pressures from stagnant wages and rising living expenses.

Self-Reliance: A Costly Alternative

In response to the electricity crisis, many South Africans are turning to alternative energy sources like hybrid solar solutions. While these systems offer the promise of more sustainable, long-term savings, the upfront costs can be prohibitive for many. The initial investment required for solar panel installations, combined with monthly service fees for grid connectivity, makes it difficult for lower-income households to embrace these alternatives.

Even as hybrid solar systems gain traction, offering households a way to reduce their reliance on Eskom’s erratic pricing and grid failures, the reality remains that solar energy is not a viable solution for all. For many, the cost of solar installations is simply out of reach, and the dream of energy independence remains distant.

Is Solar the Answer?

Eskom’s aggressive pricing strategy is pushing more consumers toward alternative energy sources. Solar power has seen rapid growth, with private sector contributions to the national grid doubling since 2008. Yet, while hybrid systems are more affordable than going fully off-grid, they are still not the silver bullet to South Africa’s energy crisis.

In an economy already battered by rising costs, the pressure of another significant electricity price hike could have disastrous effects. Households unable to switch to solar power will continue to bear the brunt of Eskom’s failing infrastructure and exorbitant debt. As those who can afford to switch off the grid do so, Eskom’s shrinking customer base could lead to higher rates of non-payment from those left behind—further deepening the utility’s financial troubles.

A Call to Action

The public has until 1 November 2024 to comment on Eskom’s revenue application for the next three financial years. Nersa will consider these comments before making a final decision on whether to approve Eskom’s proposed tariff hike. Now is the time for South Africans to raise their voices and demand more equitable solutions to the nation’s energy crisis.

If you are outraged by Eskom’s proposed increase and the financial burden it will place on already struggling households, make your voice heard. Sign the petition here: Dear South Africa – Eskom MYPD6.

As the government continues to prioritize short-term fixes over sustainable reforms, the economic toll of energy mismanagement grows. The proposed price hike far exceeds inflation, making it clear that South Africa’s energy crisis is not just about supply and demand—it’s about the unchecked greed of those in power.

Conclusion

South Africans are at a crossroads. With energy costs soaring and the promise of relief through alternative sources limited by affordability, it’s clear that deeper, systemic reforms are needed. As Eskom pushes for cost-reflective pricing and massive increases, the public must act now to protect their financial futures and demand accountability from both the utility and the government.

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