Friday, March 01, 2013

Numsa and Greenpeace not happy with Nersa's tariff decision

Imogen Vollenhoven
1 March 2013

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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