CAPE TOWN – Residents and businesses of the Cape Town metro have until Thursday 30 April to weigh in on the City of Cape Town’s ambitious R1,245 billion energy security programme, as officials unveil plans to dramatically reduce reliance on embattled state power utility Eskom.

The proposed three-year investment, detailed in the draft 2026-’27 Energy Budget, would see R659 million allocated to renewable energy procurement and R586 million towards upgrades at the Steenbras pumped hydro-electric power station.

The sweeping energy diversification strategy forms part of a broader R71,3 billion capital and operational expenditure commitment aimed at securing more affordable, sustainable power for the metro.

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“This budget affirms our plans to secure Cape Town’s dynamic, decentralised energy future,” said Xanthea Limberg, Mayoral Committee member for Energy. “We’re lessening our reliance on Eskom and moving towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.”

The municipality has also ring-fenced over R1 billion for streetlighting improvements, including R165 million for LED installations across its network of more than 245 000 streetlights.

City officials say illegal connections and cable theft remain the biggest threats to maintaining the current 90% operational target.

Residents are being shielded from steeper Eskom tariff hikes, with the City proposing a 6,67% electricity increase – 2,34% below the national energy regulator’s approved 9,01% Eskom increase to municipalities.

Public consultation is now open until 30 April.

To comment, support or object to the draft budget, follow these channels:

• Email: Budget.Comments@capetown.gov.za;
• Online: www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate or www.capetown.gov.za/HaveYourSay
• Phone: 0800 212 176
• In person: Through local subcouncil offices

The full budget details are available at www.capetown.gov.za/budget.