CAPE TOWN – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticized Eskom‘s recent call for a price hike, saying charging South Africans more than 20% more on their electricity bills is unrealistic and unachievable.
Prices rose by around 15% in April last year and will rise again in April if South Africa’s national energy regulator (Nersa) approves their request.
AD chief John Steenhuisen said that given the current state of the disaster and the economic climate, Eskom’s demand for additional revenue was ridiculous.
ESKOM BLAMES INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS
Hasha Tlhotlhalemaje, Eskom’s chief regulatory officer, blamed much of the need for the price increase on independent power producers (IPPs).
“A significant increase is related to the cost of independent power producers. They have to sell their electricity through Eskom and what goes through Eskom’s tariffs is one of the main contributors this year.”
She said Eskom had submitted thousands of pages detailing the motivation for this vigorous ride.
Increases in operating costs accounted for approximately 5% and coal prices for 8%.
But Steenhuisen said legalizing electricity supply from alternative and greener generators is the only way to stop Eskom’s price hikes.
