Natasha Mazzone lashes Eskom for their business-killing tariff hikes

Shadow Public Enterprises Minister Natasha Mazzone is usually the first dissenting voice we hear from when Eskom are up a certain creek without a paddle. In fact, the DA representative has had a very busy start to the year thanks to Eskom's omnishambolic operation.

In 2019, we've seen Eskom plunder new depths of load shedding misery, receive a R69 billion bailout from the government, and even discuss employing the army to protect their own assets. Thursday marked another chapter in their dubious recent history, as they went to visit Nersa (National Energy Regulator of South Africa), cap in hand.

What Nersa agreed with Eskom The regulatory body we're only willing to meet the power giants half-way on this one seeking a tariff rise of 45% over the next three years, Nersa only allowed Eskom to put prices up by 22.7% by 2022.

The compromise didn't really keep anyone happy: The SOE wanted more, whereas the public was told that the increase would be 3.5% above the rate of inflation. We aren't just bailing them out, we're tipping them, too.

Natasha Mazzone weighs into Eskom debate This did not escape the attention of Natasha Mazzone, though. She has been keeping a hawkish eye on the proceedings, and expressed her dismay at the 9.4% rise that would be in place for 12 months from 1 April 2019.

Mazzone lashed out at the detrimental impact stuffing more money into Eskom would have on the economy:

It will have a detrimental impact on small businesses, manufacturers and intensive electricity users, placing a handbrake on economic growth and job creation. We believe Eskom should focus its resources on debt collection from municipalities that owe them money.

Consumers of electricity should not foot the burden for poor project management and build quality at the Kusile and Medupi power plants, nor for the years of corruption at Eskom, nor for its bloated workforce.

Natasha Mazzone Bad for business According to the DA, Over a period of 10 years from 2007 to 2017, Eskom's electricity prices have increased by about 356%. Meanwhile, inflation over the same period was 74% five times less than what they're charging.

Tags: Democratic Alliance (DA)EskomNatasha MazzoneNersaSouth Africa

LINK:	https://www.thesouthafrican.com/natasha-mazzone-eskom-tariff-reaction/...
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