On Thursday the National Energy Regulator
of South Africa granted Eskom an 8 percent tariff hike.
Eskom initially asked for a 16 percent
increase.
The National Union of Metalworkers of South
Africa has been vocal about the increase saying the 16 percent would be too
much for the ordinary South African.
Numsa General Secretary Irvin Jim said that
they welcome the 8% however they are very worried that it is above the 5% increase,
they will subject to all the discussion with their structures on Monday before there
can be a final attitude about , what they think should be the case.
Jim said that the second part is that Numsa
is worried about the fact that Eskom was granted an increase for the period of
five years instead of three years, as Numsa they think that robs them and stakeholders of on an opportunity to discuss
alternative forms of funding.
Meanwhile Greepeace said the 8 percent
tariff hike is evidence of the rising cost of Eskom’s reliance on the increasingly
scarce and expensive energy sources of coal and nuclear.
Greenpeace added that the National Energy
Regulator of South Africa must hold Eskom accountable for the utility’s
continued investments in coal.
Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner
Ruth Mhlanga adds that they are concerned that Nersa failed to recognise that
Eskoms tariff increase are funding new investments in coal and nuclear which
are dangerous sources of energy.
Mhlanga
said they should rather than invest in renewable energy, that is far more sustainable
and in the best interest of the soth African public.
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