Relief for consumers as Eskom lowers its tariff increase

By Khanyisa Tabata
01 December 2009

Eskom has cut its request for tariff rises to 35 percent 45 percent a year over the next three years.

Eskom's earlier application had been criticised by the African National Congress, industry and trade unions.

Economists and the central bank had warned of the potential inflationary impact.

Thembani Bukula, a senior official of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, confirmed to Reuters that Eskom had cut its request to 35 percent.

Bukula said Eskom had submitted its revised application for a tariff increase by the agreed deadline yesterday.

Bukula says they are going to study the changes made in Eskom’s request and will give the public an opportunity to comment.

He added that the other dates set up for public hearings in January would not change and the decision would still be made on the 24th of February.