Nersa to soon decide on Eskom tariff hike request
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) says the decision on whether or not to approve Eskom's application for another tariff increase will be made before the end of next month.
Nersa's spent the past two days in Durban hearing submissions from environmental organisations, business and community members.
Eskom wants the price consumers pay for electricity to be pushed up so it can recover some 22-billion-rand in overspent money.
Nersa's Thembani Bukula says all the submissions made will be taken into consideration.
"On the one hand, we have the sustainability of Eskom, on the other hand we have the affordability of the services that they offer."
"So, we have to find that balance and ensure that we strike it in a way that still enables this country to still grow and enables people to afford the electricity services," he said.
Last June, the regulator rejected Eskom's request for a 25.3% electricity tariff hike has been turned down.
At the time, Nersa chairman Jacob Modise said the application was not in accordance with the requirements of Municipal Finance Management Act.
(Photo: Gallo)