Their comments are contained in an Eskom document produced in August 2012.

The parties recommend gradual tariff adjustments to minimise the impact of exorbitant increases on the economy, but Eskom decided not to comply, claiming this would "prolong inefficiency and increase the risk of load shedding". The document further states that if the consumer does not pay, then taxpayers would have to.

Eskom believes that its five-year price determination plan will ensure a predictable price path for the country.

Spokeswoman Hilary Joffe said Eskom would submit its application to National Electricity Regulator of SA (Nersa) at a date still to be determined .

Joffe said the poor would be protected from the impact of high increases through the inclining block tariff structure - designed in such way that the more you consume, the more you pay.

But she admitted that this structure was problematic and would not work as well as it should.

Poor households are entitled to monthly free basic electricity of 50 kilowatt hours, but those earmarked to benefit complain about the inconsistency in the number of units given.

The city of Johannesburg on the other hand provides 100kWh free electricity.

Eskom's application to Nersa has been delayed at least twice since June.

- This article was first published in the printed newspaper on 11 October 2012

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Wed Jun 19 00:58:04 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 12, 2012

Papage

Bear this in mind when Workers start demanding higher salaries, dont be concern how the strike will harm the economy, be concern and stop increasing taxes and tarrifs. If the Government can start planning how to finance Water,Electricity, fuel, basic food stuffs, that is a priority and must be delt with as in yesterday. The real reasons why people are resorting to violence is the frustrations they get for demanding high wages, food is expensive Government, we need a way to lower the up swing price hikes. Excom is a joke, they spent R33m on partying right through the night and then the following day they increase tarrifs, how stupid? Government take petrol price high and then eplement E-Tolling? we have clueless Leaders, I still say Economist President like Thabo Mbeki is needed now, The current Leaders can't projects the future, they live for today and that is all
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