Ramokgopa: Electricity is becoming a 'luxury'

ELECTRICITY and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says the cost of electricity in South Africa is "unsustainable" and is driving many households into energy poverty.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

"We are revising the electricity pricing policy to address the issue of the cost of electricity. It's unaffordable," Ramokgopa said in an interview with eNCA. "It's dealing a major blow to the disposable income of households."

He said that for many families, the choice comes down to buying a loaf of bread or replenishing electricity units.

"The choice is easy. They are going to buy a loaf of bread," he said.

Ramokgopa reiterated the government's responsibility to intervene.

"The state has got a duty not to be retrenched, but to be at the forefront of the resolution of this preeminent problem," he said.