Public hearings into Eskom's application to be heard in 2010

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Pretoria - Public hearings into Eskom's proposed 45 percent tariff hike application are to be held in January 2010, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) announced on Thursday.

This after the regulator held a meeting on Wednesday to approve the approach and timeline for processing the utility's Multi-Year Price Determination 2 (MYPD 2) for the three-year period beginning in 2010 to 2013. The 93 page document was submitted to the regulator on 30 September.

On Tuesday, the parastal released details of its application saying that it was in favour of a 45 percent "smoothed" annual tariff increase from next year until 2013 as opposed to once off 146 percent tariff increase.

So far the regulator has published Eskom's tariff application on its website. On 29 October, the regulator will publish the issue paper requesting comments on specific issues regarding the MYPD2.

30 November will be the closing date for comments on Eskom's MYPD2 application and issue paper.

Public hearings on the matter will be held from 20 to 22 January 2010 in Gauteng.

"Due to the unprecedented public interest in Eskom's MYPD2 application, Nersa is considering conducting regional public hearings aimed at broadening accessibility, public consultation and participation," said the regulator.

The regulator has appealed to the public and stakeholders to participate in the process by submitting written comments as well as to attend or make oral presentations at the hearings.

The public can submit their comments to Pule Mothiba or Priya Singh at mypd2@nersa.org.za or send a fax to (012) 401-4600 before the 30 November, the closing date.

On 17 February the electricity subcommittee will consider the draft reasons for the decision on the MYPD2 application after which a decision will be made on 24 February 2010.