Eskom 15% tariff hike unjustifiable and unfair By Manyane Manyane Share The 15% Eskom electricity tariff increase is unjustifiable and unfair and will cause untold hardship to the millions of unemployed and poor South Africans who may be forced to resort to cheaper but unsafe means of energy such as paraffin and coal. The tariff increases that will be passed on directly to consumers, were effective from April 1 and Eskom cited its huge debt (the entity is owed billions of rands by municipalities) when it applied to the North Gauteng High Court for permission for hikes of more than 15% â a rise that is almost 4 times above-inflation.