'Extortion' - DA slams Eskom’s proposed solar levy

The party believes the embattled power utility’s proposed R938 tariff is not only extortionate but is also in violation of consumer rights.

Eskom's has told the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) that it wants on-grid solar users to pay R938 per month even if they don't use its electricity.

But the DA’s Kevin Mileham says Eskom appears determined to punish homeowners and businesses for wanting to install an alternative power source.

"This is regressive and negates every claim that the government has said about opening up the grid to independent power producers.

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“Faced with the prospect of assured relegation to the fringes of South Africa’s electricity market, due to its own inefficiencies and moribund business model, Eskom now wants to hang on to its failing monopoly through consumer extortion.

"The origin of this ill-thought extortionate idea can be traced to the doorstep of South Africa’s failing energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe. 

"His latest fantasy for an Eskom 2.0 is clear evidence that he is unable to comprehend that any Eskom model, in whatever form, will not solve South Africa’s electricity crisis." 

South Africans have been subjected to daily load shedding for more than a month. 

The power utility says that it would still need an additional 4 000 to 6 000 megawatts to keep the lights on.