Electricity intensive firms to approach Nersa for new job-saving tariff deal

The Energy Intensive Users Group (EIUG) will approach the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) before the end of September with a proposal for structural changes to Eskom’s tariff for large power users by removing existing cross-subsidies to assist businesses whose future sustainability is being placed in jeopardy by the utility’s current fast-rising price path. In motivating for the short-term tariff relief, the EIUG will argue that competitive prices for electricity heavy firms will help stimulate economic growth and stave off the job losses that are likely to arise should these companies be forced to accept the further double digit tariff increases being sought by Eskom.