Two business chambers have vowed to fight Eskom’s proposed electricity-tariff hikes, saying they were "unreasonable" and if approved, would be commercially devastating in the current economic climate. Eskom is looking for a 19.9% increase in tariffs, which means consumers could end up paying up to 27.5% more in 2018. The National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) last week gave the power utility the go-ahead to hold hearings on the proposed tariff hikes. Eskom has applied for a total allowable revenue of R219.5bn, which translates to a 19.9% average tariffs increase. "Not only will such an increase be crippling, but in view of the recent disclosures and reports regarding rampant maladministration and governance failures at Eskom, business and commerce is compelled to continue in its endeavours to hold both Eskom and the regulator accountable for their actions, in the interest of the public," said Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber president Thomas Schaefer. It is also feared Eskom wil...
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