A public consultation process on two Eskom applications began on Friday, one asking for new tariffs and the other claiming a shortfall on past tariffs. Eskom’s application for a R21.6 billion reimbursement through more tariff hikes showed the power utility’s incompetence in managing its finances, according to energy expert Ted Blom.

On Friday, the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) said it had initiated a public consultation process on two Eskom applications, one asking for new tariffs and the other claiming a shortfall on past tariffs.

This was despite missing its own revenue target by 10%, according to Blom.

The regulatory clearing account (RCA) application, Nersa explained, was for R21.6 billion for the fifth year (2017/18) of the multi-year price determination 3 period.

In its RCA application, Blom pointed out that Eskom “conveniently” hid the fact that it had missed its own revenue target by more than R118 billion.

“This is above the hikes that were awarded earlier this year,” he said.

Simnikiwe Hlatshaneni- The Citizen