Editorial: Voice protests at power tariff hike

WHATEVER the end result of Eskom’s quest for a close to 17% increase in electricity tariffs, there can be sparse grounds for complaint by a large segment of Eastern Cape users – individuals and the business sector alike.

If not for the compelling arguments of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber calling for energy regulator Nersa to reject the power utility’s application, there were few other voices of dissent present at Wednesday’s public hearing in the metro.

In describing the application as irregular and unlawful, the chamber has provided more than persuasive reasoning in claiming Eskom was moving the goalposts by attempting to recover billions of rands three years after the fact because of its own inefficiencies.

But the regional business association appeared to be very much alone in this vital public participation process which was neglectfully announced at very short notice, but which should nevertheless have attracted far more crucial input from ordinary residents as well as many smaller business operators who are not members of the chamber.

Considering the uproar over the spiralling cost of electricity, a struggling economy, joblessness and the conundrum of Eskom arguing it needs to recoup billions because it did not sell enough power while at the same appealing to consumers to reduce consumption, it was imperative that Nersa be able to gauge community sentiment more accurately.

Eskom has defended its submission on the basis it followed correct procedures, but ultimately Nersa is going to have to perform a balancing act.

It will have to guarantee affordability for the poor through reduced tariffs, while also addressing the sustainability of the utility.

It is unlikely to strike a happy medium all round but to do its work as effectively as possible, it needs all our voices – and we must seize the opportunity to use them. Or cease to complain.