SAfrica energy regulator to assess utility firm's proposed tariff hike

The National Energy Regulator says it will only make a decision on whether Eskom will get back-payments from customers once it's assessed the utility's reasons for another tariff increase.

Eskom has applied for a further 53 per cent increase just months after being granted a 14.2 per cent hike. It also wants consumers to make back payments if the increase doesn't come into effect by 1 April.

Nersa's Thembani Buluka says it's impossible to make a decision in the next week.

Source: Radio 702, Johannesburg, in English 25 Mar 08