South African households are bracing for another wave of electricity cost increases, with NERSA approving hikes of 18.36% over the next two years. It’s tempting to think that swapping to energy-efficient appliances will automatically reduce your bill, but the savings may not be as high as expected.
After the year-end shopping period, many South Africans are starting the year with new appliances and gadgets, from gaming consoles and upgraded TVs to air fryers, fridges and more. As these go into daily use, the added demand can expose weaknesses in older home wiring and electrical systems
The Switch Ultra Range, a new collection of wiring accessories designed for residential and commercial applications, has been developed for the South African market. Available in white and graphite finishes, the range introduces a slimline aesthetic characterised by integrated fluorescent inserts for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
With electricity tariffs set to rise by 5.36% in 2026 and 6.19% in 2027, South Africans are increasingly seeking ways to curb their energy bills. This trend was on full display at the 2025 KragDag Expo, where visitors explored practical solutions to take control of their consumption.
South Africa’s manufacturing sector is under severe strain. Although output increased by a marginal 0.5%, over 1.2 million direct jobs and millions more in linked sectors still hang in the balance.
The withdrawal of funding from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) is a setback for South Africa’s move to a low carbon economy. This initiative was designed to mobilise public and private investment to help developing nations transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources and accelerate the decarbonisation of key sectors.
In the 2023 National Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced several measures aimed at addressing South Africa’s energy crisis, but it is difficult to predict whether these efforts will be enough, considering the complex and multifaceted nature of the situation. However, they represent a step in the right direction.