CONSUMERS have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the 13.61 per cent electricity tariff increase approved by the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), arguing that the decision places an unfair burden on economically marginalised Emaswati and struggling businesses.
The hike follows an application by the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), which had initially proposed a 20.67 per cent increase.
Although ESERA approved a lower figure after conducting consultative meetings, several consumers say their submissions during the process were ignored.
Reacting to the decision, members of the public said the increase would negatively affect households and local enterprises already grappling with rising living costs.
One user called on government to intervene and demonstrate leadership.
“Our government needs to send a message that says, ‘I care for the people’. Reduce this to seven per cent and then instruct EEC and ESERA to look for alternative revenue solutions to address or mitigate the costs,” the user said.
Another questioned the value of the public consultation process.
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“These organisations will do what they intended to do in the first place. We no longer have a say, even though many have voiced their concerns and it fell on deaf ears. If it were up to me, I would say they should cancel the consultations since they never listen to our concerns,” the user said.
Concerns were also raised about the broader economic impact of the increase. One contributor warned that higher electricity costs could lead to business closures and job losses.
Another user questioned why Eswatini, a country facing high unemployment and without a comprehensive national minimum wage, was paying electricity tariffs comparable to those in South Africa.
“South Africa has a national minimum wage, a much larger economy and far higher average incomes, yet we’re paying similar tariffs for basic services like electricity and water. That alone makes no sense,” the user said.
The user added that many Emaswati were already struggling to meet basic needs.
“Here, people earn less, struggle more and carry a heavier burden, but the costs keep rising as if we are a developed economy,” the contributor said.
The same user also criticised what was described as a disconnect between ordinary citizens and political leaders, questioning high salaries for Members of Parliament and ministers at a time when many households are forced to choose between food, electricity, transport and school fees.
Consumers further questioned why the poor should bear the brunt of increased tariffs amid EEC’s financial challenges.
“Why is the solution always tariff hikes instead of leadership sacrifice, why not cut excessive government salaries or redirect that money into stabilising essential services?
“We are told to ‘tighten belts’ while others live untouched by the pressure ordinary people face daily. This isn’t just about electricity; it’s about fairness, priorities and accountability. We deserve leadership that feels the same pressure we feel,” said another user.
