Midrand - Gauteng's public hearings into Eskom's proposed tariff increase began today with Eskom asking the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to consider its decision carefully.
Eskom Acting Chief Executive Officer Mpho Makwana asked the regulator to choose appropriately when making its decision into the parastatal's revised 35 percent tariff increase request.
"I say the right decision for Nersa's panel is 35 percent, 35 percent, 35 percent," Makwana told the panel and a packed small conference room at the hearings at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
Eskom has applied for a 35 percent increase over the course of three years to ensure power supply and to raise funds for its R385 billion power expansion programme.
Makwana was speaking at the second last day for the public as well as business to make submissions regarding the proposed tariff.
The regulator is in the last stretch of public hearings that began countrywide last week.
Proceedings at Thursday's hearing were lively with some members of the public holding placards inside the venue calling for solar power and others opposing the application.
A woman held up a placard as Makwana spoke, refusing to heed to security personnel's requests to put it down. She was finally led outside of the venue when a security staff member tore up her poster.
The hearings will come to an end tomorrow after which the regulator will consider the submissions before making its decision next month.
