Ezulwini- The Government of Eswatini through the Minister of Natural Resources, Prince Lonkhekhelo has announced an 8 % reduction in electricity tariff hikes for the upcoming financial years.
Initially, the tariff increase as approved by Eswatini Regulatory Authority (ESERA) was 14.67% for 2025/26 and 10.91% for 2026/27. These, has raised concerns about its impact on households and businesses hence about 22 000 textile workers were reported to have their jobs on the line.
The announcement was made in presence of key representatives from Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) including the Board Chairman Patric Myeni and Managing Director Ernest Mkhonta.
Following intense discussions, the public saying EEC should be liquidated, the government has stepped in to slash the hike into a more manageable 8% for 2025/26 and a 7% for 2026/27, signalling a proactive stance in addressing the public’s concerns.
Addressing the stakeholders and the public, the Minister noted that “the Government of Eswatini as a sole shareholder of EEC intensely considered the impact of the approved tariff and explored measures to mitigate the electricity price shock.”
Ndwandwe added that the government of Eswatini through the Ministry of Natural Resources will engage with EEC to ensure that the funding gap as a result of the government’s intervention is addressed is met.
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