Eskom's proposed tariff hike may be necessary, says expert
Energy expert Claire Volkwyn says Nersa's decision on whether to grant Eskom's request for tariff increases is not a foregone conclusion.
Eskom's seeking to recover some R22-billion it overspent on operational items.
Volkwyn says the energy regulator has previously turned down Eskom's request for tariff hikes and have also denied full percentage increases that the power utility asked for.
"The thing is, it's hard to claim that this was wasteful spending because it was necessary in order to keep the lights on during the 2013/2014 financial year.
"But the reality is that Eskom had to spend significantly more than previously budgeted for to keep the lights on and it is potentially a reality of our lives for the next couple of years until we have brought some of the biggest scale generation online," she said.
(File photo)