NERSA set to announce decision on Eskom's 36.15% tariff hike application
Eskom has also applied for an 11% and 9% increases for the two following years.
FILE: The National Energy Regulator of South Africa is hosting public hearings on Eskom. Picture: EWN/Ntuthuzelo Nene
JOHANNESBURG - The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is on Thursday expected to announce its decision on Eskom's application to hike electricity prices by 36.15% this year.
Eskom has also applied for 11% and 9% increases for the two following years.
The power utility says the tariffs it's requesting are cost-reflective of how much it costs to supply and maintain the electricity grid.
In its last regulatory decision in 2023, NERSA approved tariff increases that were lower than what Eskom requested.
Eskom made applications for hikes of 32% and 22%, however, NERSA approved 18.6% and 12.7% increases.
The regulator recently went on a countrywide public consultation process, where the majority of participants argued against Eskom's latest tariff proposals.
Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on electricity, Kevin Mileham, said that NERSA should reject Eskom's application.
"On the eve of this critical decision, South Africans are facing an already unbearable cost of living and any increases to electricity tariffs would be a reckless and unjustified burden."
Mileham said NERSA should rather insist on reforms at Eskom that would improve its operational and financial state.