SALGA warns of more illegal connections amid the electricity price hike

VAAL TRIANGLE - The South African Local Government Association warns that Eskom’s electricity tariff hikes could lead to increased illegal connections. The National Energy Regulator approved a 12.74% increase for direct customers from 1 April and an 11.32% hike for municipalities from 1 July. SALGA’s Head of Energy, Nhlanhla Ngidi, says struggling consumers may resort to unsafe, illicit connections. He warns this could escalate vandalism and strain municipalities already battling financial challenges.