COPE rejects Eskom’s tariff increase

Chumani Simelela

20 January 2016

Eskom wants to increase electricity tariffs so as top be able to cover the R11.7 bn to cover its revenue shortfall. Which when broken down is R8bn for the cost of operating the open cycle gas turbines and R2.4bn for incurring primary energy costs.

In a statement issue, COPE says instead of stifling consumers with cost overruns and the outcome of poor people management, Eskom should seek new technologies to achieve optimal economy of scale and reduced cost of electricity production.

COPE’s spokes-person Dennis Bloem says. ”This will cripple the economy very badly, the poorest of the poor will feel the pinch more than any other person”.

And also the farmers will have it very difficult to produce food for the country. He added “That’s why we are saying that Eskom must not be given that lee-way to increase electricity tariffs”.