As Eskom postures for more mammoth tariff hikes in a bid to stave off financial collapse – despite raising electricity prices by more than 350% in a decade – beleaguered consumers are in for a painful purse pinch.

Through court applications and bids to the National Energy Regulator (Nersa), the ailing SOE is trying to fill a R190bn revenue hole, funds desperately needed to service its R441bn debt burden.

But a Cape Town firm – which uses global crowdfunding to bankroll solar energy projects – may offer some respite for those wanting to go off the grid...