More tariff hikes likely as Eskom seeks claw back

The amount is for the 2013/14 financial period and is said to have been used to purchase diesel in order to avoid load shedding during the winter months. 

Each time the electricity producer spends over its budget the exceeded amount is clawed back from Nersa in the form of increased tariffs. 

The parastatal's Khulu Phasiwe says whether or not their application will be approved is at the discretion of the energy regulator.

"If we do get a claw back, then it means that in addition to the 8% guarantee that we already have in terms of a tariff increase for next year, then the regulator might give us an extra percentage or whatever they will determine in the next financial year.

"What that means is that there's likely to be an increase of more than 8% in electricity tariffs from next year," he said. 

(File photo)