Nersa to study impact of changes in electricity tariffs

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) will embark on a market inquiry into the impact of splitting Eskom's generation charge into a generation capacity charge, a legacy charge and a variable energy charge, as well as the effect of municipal fixed charges on consumers.

- Antoinette Slabbert

This comes amid widespread dissatisfaction over high electricity costs, which has led to protest action in some areas.

Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Energy and Electricity, has repeatedly also acknowledged that tariffs are unaffordable - not only for the poor, but even for middle-class and affluent consumers.

His office has initiated a review of the electricity pricing policy and he has promised public consultation on the matter in the first quarter of next year.

Nersa itself came under fire after it recently admitted to a R54 billion mistake in Eskom's tariff determination for the current and following two financial years.

This will be recovered from electricity users through additional tariff increases from next year. A court order in this regard is still pending.