THE National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) — on which the public rely to keep Eskom prices and other energy tariffs in check — has been depleted of skills and capacity as the contracts of long-serving members have not been renewed.The independent regulator’s status is also under threat from an amendment bill drafted by the Department of Energy, which will establish an appeal body for Nersa decisions, to be chaired by the energy minister.Nersa is an independent regulator established by law which has been a bulwark against price increases from state-owned Eskom, through close scrutiny of its costs and efficiencies. It is critically important for tariff setting in the oil and gas industries.Nersa has been without a permanent CEO for 18 months. Two of the most experienced and senior regulator members — Thembani Bukula and Rod Compton — have not had their contracts renewed after they expired in March. A fourth position — for a part-time regulator — has also not been filled.The energy mi...
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