THE National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has granted Eskom a 9.4 per cent tariff increase for the 2016/17 financial year. Nersa chairperson, Jacob Modise, confirmed this today.

In November last year, Eskom submitted its Regulatory Clearing Account ( RCA) application for consideration by the regulator. Eskom applied for an RCA balance of R22.8 billion in its favour.

In its submission, Eskom said the move was driven substantially by revenue under-recovery and higher primary energy costs.

“The tariff will be effective from 1 April 2016, but it will be introduced differently for municipalities and the like but it’s effective from 1 April 2016,” said Modise in response to a question.

The regulator said the RCA balance of R11.2 billion is recoverable from standard tariff customers, local Special Pricing Agreements (SPAs) and international customers. It also decided that the amount of R10.2 billion is recoverable from standard tariff customers for the 2016/17 financial year only.

Modise said more than 18 written comments were received from various stakeholders, including private individuals and trade unions among others on the matter.