Electricity parastatal Eskom’s revised tariff increase proposal will not help growth in the country, the African National Congress (ANC) said on Wednesday.
The party was ”concerned” about the effect Eskom’s revised 35% tariff increase proposal for a three-year period, would have on the majority of South Africans who would find it ”hard to afford”.
”We see the Eskom proposal to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) not assisting South Africa’s economic growth, especially its recovery from the recent economic recession,” the ANC said in a statement.
The party was of the view many South Africans — the majority poor and unemployed — had not fully recovered from the effects of global recession.
”Taking this into account, the ANC will be making its own submission to Nersa which will not only cover the multi-year pricing index but also a holistic and comprehensive approach to sustainable energy provisioning in the country.”
The ANC repeated its call for a comprehensive approach to energy provisioning and sustainability in the country.
”This approach should include, among others, how we recapitalise our energy industry without burdening the South African consumer. We also believe that such a comprehensive approach should cover other available options for a future energy-funding model.”
Exploring other energy sources such as green energy should be examined in addressing the country’s energy problems.
On Tuesday Eskom acting chairperson Mpho Makwana said the utility had lowered its request for an increase in tariffs to 35% over the next three years, down from 45%, to help fund the utility’s R385-billion expansion programme.
Thembani Bukula, a senior official at Nersa, said the regulator will analyse the changes Eskom has made and ”highlight them and give the public an opportunity to comment”.
He said only a week or two would be allowed for comment instead of the month given after the initial request.
”The other dates we had set up for public hearings in January don’t change and the decision will still be made on the February 24,” Bukula added. — Sapa