Electricity price · 2026-04
Electricity price in South Africa
A typical household in South Africa pays about R2.7 per kWh (≈ $0.17), Eskom Direct Homelight 20A single flat energy rate, incl. 15% VAT, FY2026/27. That is 22 of 44 countries from cheapest, 4% below the world median of $0.176.
What a monthly bill looks like
Energy charges only, before fixed charges; the rate includes taxes. Multiply your monthly kWh by the rate, or use a calculator below with the rate pre-filled.
| Monthly usage | Local currency | USD |
|---|---|---|
| 100 kWh | R270.3 | $16.96 |
| 250 kWh | R675.75 | $42.4 |
| 500 kWh | R1,351.5 | $84.8 |
How South Africa compares
- United States: $0.184/kWh (9% more)
- United Kingdom: $0.359/kWh (112% more)
- Germany: $0.452/kWh (166% more)
- India: $0.058/kWh (66% less)
- Bangladesh: $0.074/kWh (56% less)
Nearby in Sub-Saharan Africa
Kenya $0.147 · Nigeria $0.155 · Ghana $0.182
Calculate with this rate
- Electricity cost of an appliance at R2.7/kWh
- Appliance running cost at R2.7/kWh
- EV charging cost at R2.7/kWh
- Air conditioner running cost at R2.7/kWh
Source and confidence
Source-backed · Eskom Schedule of Standard Prices 2026/27 (NERSA-approved 8.76% increase effective 1 April 2026), effective 2026-04. The 2026/27 Table 14 is published as an image; value derived as 2025/26 booklet rate 248.53 c/kWh incl. VAT (216.11 excl.) × 1.0876 = 270.30 c/kWh, which matches independently reported 2026/27 rates. Homelight 60A and Homepower are higher (Homepower blended energy about 355.56 c/kWh plus daily fixed charges). Municipal customers pay different, usually higher, tariffs. Rates change; if your bill shows a different unit price, enter that instead — every calculator accepts your own rate.