Pretoria - The National Energy Regulator South Africa (Nersa) will hold public hearings on Eskom’s application for a 25.3% hike in Johannesburg, today.
The selective reopener application for the third Multi-Year Price Determination will end on Wednesday.
Eskom says the selective reopener application is for a total price increase of 25.3% for the 2015/16 financial year.
“This will consist of the 12.69% already approved by the energy regulator, the 10.10% selective reopener for Open Cycle Gas Turbines and the Short-Term Power Purchase Programme, as well as 2.51% for the increase in the environmental levy by 2c/kWh,” said Eskom on Monday.
The hike application comes despite ongoing load shedding which government says will be around for at least the next two years.
At a recent media briefing, Eskom acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brian Molefe said higher tariffs would mean less load shedding.
He added that the utility has applied for additional funds to buy diesel to keep its Open Cycle Gas Turbines running when the power grid is constrained.
However, the application has been met by strong opposition.
Nersa is expected to make a decision on 29 June.
Meanwhile, Eskom said there will be no load shedding taking place this morning as it has adequate generating capacity to meet the demand in electricity.
However, the power system is expected to be constrained during the evening peak period, 17:00 – 21:00, mainly as a result of increased electricity demand.
As the country experiences cold weather conditions, the utility urged electricity users to consider energy efficient ways of keeping warm.
“We appeal to all our customers to continue to reduce their electricity usage throughout the day but to be aware of the need to save more during the peak periods from 06:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 21:00.” – SAnews.gov.za
