Facing Eskom’s proposed 36.1% electricity hike in 2025: how our solutions could be a game changer

Eskom’s proposed electricity price hike of 36.1% in 2025 looms large over South African households, businesses, and community schemes. If approved, the increase will hit communities already grappling with high living costs and economic strain, leaving many struggling to keep up with rising utility bills. For community schemes in particular, which face unique budgeting challenges, this hike threatens to destabilise finances significantly. But there is hope: solar and battery backup solutions from our partners at Bright Light offer a viable, cost-effective alternative to Eskom’s escalating tariffs.

Over the years, Eskom has implemented steep price increases to cover its operational and financial gaps, which have grown due to outdated infrastructure, coal dependency, and mismanagement. In recent years, these hikes have been anything but modest-2023 saw an 18% increase, followed by a 13% hike in 2024. For a country with a 33.5% unemployment rate and minimal economic growth, such frequent hikes have profound effects on affordability.

Beyond just the direct costs, rising electricity expenses are passed on to consumers through municipal tariffs, burdening South Africans who have no choice but to depend on Eskom. This strain has left individuals, companies, and community schemes desperate for alternative energy solutions.

This is where STS in partnership with Bright Light comes into play. Offering solar and battery backup solutions at rates that are typically around 30% cheaper than Eskom’s, our solution enables community schemes to break free from dependence on Eskom’s unpredictable and ever-increasing tariffs. Installing solar systems provides community schemes with the stability of consistent energy costs, which makes long-term financial planning more feasible.

1. Predictable monthly expenses: By moving to solar power, community schemes can avoid Eskom’s tariff volatility and lock in more predictable expenses. This predictability is crucial for budgeting, as it reduces the risk of unexpected increases in electricity costs, which can derail carefully managed budgets.
2.  Sustainable energy security: With our battery backup options, community schemes can store energy to use during times of high demand or power outages, further enhancing reliability and reducing the need to draw from Eskom’s grid. This stored energy can also be used during times of peak Eskom rates, providing additional savings.

With STS and Bright Light, you will experience zero risk (no upfront investment required) as well as immediate savings from day one.

Switching to solar energy isn’t just about saving money—it’s about future-proofing South African communities. By relying less on Eskom’s coal-based grid, communities can make a tangible impact on reducing their carbon footprint. Solar energy produces zero emissions, meaning every watt generated contributes to a greener future for South Africa.

Additionally, the implementation of renewable energy solutions aligns with South Africa’s commitment to the Paris Agreement goals. While the country remains heavily reliant on coal, embracing solar can reduce this dependence and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy framework.

Bright Light’s commitment to affordability and innovation makes it an ideal partner for community schemes looking to navigate these financial and environmental challenges. Our systems are designed to support communities in moving away from coal-based energy sources without sacrificing reliability or inflating budgets. In a landscape where electricity prices are spiralling, solar and battery solutions offer a new path forward.

For community schemes facing an uncertain financial future, investing in solar and battery solutions is more than an expense — it’s an investment in stability, sustainability, and resilience. South African communities can look to the sun and Bright Light as sources of energy security and financial peace of mind.

Part of this blog post was adapted from an article from The Conversation.