Mbabane businessman Walter Bennett has called on the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) to establish an energy consumers’ association to protect consumer interests during electricity tariff negotiations.
Bennett said electricity was becoming increasingly unaffordable because key decisions were made by the Eswatini Electricity Company, ESERA, and government without sufficient input from consumers.
He told a public hearing that consumers were often excluded from meaningful consultation, despite being directly affected by tariff increases. Bennett noted that electricity prices had steadily risen over the years, contrary to a 2006 directive by His Majesty King Mswati III, who urged the government to keep electricity affordable.
“That call is now being ignored, as electricity has become more expensive over time,” Bennett said.
He also questioned the government’s efforts to attract investors by promising an ease of doing business while ordinary Emaswati struggled with the cost of basic services.
“There cannot be ease of life for Emaswati when people cannot afford something as basic as electricity,” he added.
Bennett criticised the current approach where some consumers are expected to subsidise indigent electricity users, arguing that government should provide direct subsidies instead.
Responding to Bennett’s submission, ESERA chief executive officer Sikhuumbuzo Tsabedze said the regulator had taken note of the concerns and would ensure broader consumer representation in future tariff negotiations. He added that the issue of government subsidising indigent users would be raised with the relevant authorities, noting that there is currently no legislation mandating such support
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