By Lwazi Dlamini
The Eswatini Electricity Regulatory Authority (ESERA), an autonomous entity established under the Energy Regulatory Act of 2007, remains committed to making independent and objective decisions in line with its statutory mandate.
Speaking during the ongoing Electricity Tariff Review public hearings, ESERA Chief Executive Officer Sikhumbuzo Tsabedze emphasised that the regulator operates transparently and independently, ensuring a balanced approach between consumer protection and the sustainability of the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC).
“Our role includes conducting public hearings to gather submissions that will directly inform our final decisions on proposed tariff adjustments,” Tsabedze stated.
He reiterated that ESERA’s primary responsibility is to protect consumer rights while also ensuring the financial stability of EEC, which is vital for driving the national economy.
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Responding to public inquiries about the regulator’s relationship with EEC, Tsabedze clarified that ESERA’s decisions were not predetermined.
“Public submissions are integral to our decision-making process. We cannot justify any decision without consulting consumers and considering their views,” he assured the attendees.
Concerns raised during the public hearings in Lavumisa and Big Bend suggested that ESERA often sided with EEC’s proposals despite public opposition.
However, Tsabedze dismissed these allegations, affirming the regulator’s commitment to impartiality.
“We are not influenced or intimidated. Our processes are objective and anchored in the law. We engage with EEC even outside the hearings to seek additional information when necessary to ensure that our decisions are well-informed.”
The CEO also noted that the government, as both a shareholder and customer, was consulted during the review process.
However, he underscored that ESERA’s final decisions remained independent as mandated by the Energy Regulatory Act.
Tsabedze encouraged the consumers to actively participate by submitting their views via email at info@esera.org.sz and reviewing the tariff application available on the ESERA website.
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“Informed inputs from the public are critical to achieving a fair and balanced outcome,” he said.
The hearings aim to gather feedback on the EEC’s proposed tariff increase, which averages 25.51% for 2025/2026 and 27.06% for 2026/2027.
EEC’s submission made on November 1, 2024 includes a request for revenues of E4.2 billion and E4.6 billion for the respective financial years.
ESERA’s decision on the tariff adjustments will be announced by 1 February 2025 with the new rates taking effect on 1 April 2025.
Public hearings will continue across various locations, including Happy Valley Hotel & Casino today, Gobolondlo Hall in Piggs Peak on Friday, Thokoza Church Centre in Mbabane on Saturday, KDDP Farmers Federation Hall in Sihhoye next week Wednesday and Caritas in Manzini next week Saturday.
Tsabedze concluded by urging consumers to leverage these platforms to voice their concerns and contribute to the regulator’s decision-making process.
