Nersa to process Eskom's price hike application

Solidarity is considering class action against Eskom should jobs be lost due to power shortages

National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) says it will go ahead with processing Eskom's application for a 53% tariff increase and will make its decision on June 6.

Nersa says it cannot comment on the call by the ANC to delay the process until it receives a written submission directly from the party. Minerals and Energy Department spokesperson Bheki Khumalo says they would be happy to discuss the matter with the ANC.

The ANC has called on the government to delay Eskom's decision to increase electricity prices. Instead, the ruling party wants an urgent summit to debate the issue. It's calling for Nersa to halt the process until a summit of all stakeholders is convened to discuss the energy crisis and the tariff hikes.

Cosatu has welcomed the intervention. It's called for a thorough investigation of whether Eskom's financial needs actually justify the increase. Business Unity South Africa has also lauded the move.