South African households are once again footing the bill for Eskom’s missteps. Following revelations that Eskom’s recent electricity pricing application contained a data input error, resulting in a R107 billion revenue shortfall in its generation business, NERSA has opted not to oppose Eskom’s judicial review, effectively greenlighting higher tariffs for years to come.
This comes on the back of a staggering 11.32% increase in bulk electricity supply to municipalities earlier this year, with consumers now facing compounded hikes amid unreliable service and rolling blackouts.
“It’s not just about the price anymore – it’s about dignity,” says Lance Dickerson, Managing Director of REVOV, a leading supplier of lithium iron phosphate batteries assembled in South Africa. “South Africans are being asked to pay more for less. We’re seeing families pushed to the brink. That’s why energy independence is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.”
Over the past two decades, electricity prices have surged by over 1000%, far outpacing inflation. Yet, many suburbs still endure weekly outages, leaving households in the dark despite ballooning bills. The recent NERSA-Eskom settlement on the Sixth Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD6) confirms that consumers will continue to bear the brunt of systemic failures.
REVOV is calling on South Africans to take back control by investing in high-quality solar and battery backup systems. Unlike imported batteries that often lack local support, REVOV’s products are assembled and quality-checked in South Africa, backed by nationwide technical teams and robust warranties.
“People are frustrated. They’re tired of load shedding schedules and broken promises,” Dickerson adds. “But there’s hope. With the right inverter and storage batteries, households can dramatically reduce their reliance on Eskom and protect themselves from future price shocks.”
REVOV urges consumers to work with certified installers who understand how to build resilient, cost-effective systems that deliver real return on investment. Done properly, these installations can pay for themselves faster than ever before, while restoring peace of mind.
The R54 billion error isn’t just a technical oversight, it’s a wake-up call. It signals a system so broken that even its numbers can’t be trusted, yet ordinary South Africans are expected to carry the cost. As Eskom’s tariffs climb and reliability declines, the case for decentralised energy has never been clearer.
What Keeps Customers Up at Night
For low-voltage (LV) customers (ordinary households and small businesses) the decision to invest in backup power isn’t just about beating load shedding. It’s about making sense of technical choices and long-term risks. Beyond the upfront cost, four key concerns often weigh heavily:
- Compatibility: Will the inverter and battery setup work with future upgrades or municipal changes? Many consumers worry about being locked into systems that aren’t flexible or scalable.
- Service: When something goes wrong, who shows up? Imported products often lack local support, leaving customers stranded when they need help most.
- Upgrade Paths: As energy needs grow, can the system grow with them? LV customers want assurance that today’s investment won’t become tomorrow’s limitation.
- Warranty Claims: Fine print matters. South Africans are increasingly wary of warranties that look solid on paper but fall apart in practice, especially when suppliers are based offshore.
What Can Consumers Do?
While full solar and battery installations remain a significant investment, there are viable steps households can take to start reclaiming control:
- Start Small, Scale Smart: Begin with a modest setup to cover essentials like lighting, Wi-Fi, and refrigeration. Many systems are modular and can be expanded over time.
- Tap Into Financing Options: Several banks and solar providers now offer tailored financing, rent-to-own models, or green loans that make installations more accessible. Some municipalities are also exploring rebate schemes.
- Use Certified Installers: A well-designed system pays off faster. Work with professionals who understand load profiles, peak usage, and how to optimise for cost savings. Work with installers who use components that are backed by robust local support.
- Consider Hybrid Models: Even partial grid independence, such as charging batteries during off-peak hours, can reduce bills and improve reliability.
- Stay Informed: Follow NERSA’s tariff updates and Eskom’s pricing decisions via NERSA’s official portal to anticipate future hikes and plan accordingly.
Dickerson said REVOV, which has withstood the volatility in the sector, has been designed to address shared South African pain points head-on, offering locally assembled solutions with full technical support, scalable architecture, and transparent warranties backed by South African teams on the ground across the country.
