DURBAN: The business owners in Durban stated in a meeting with city officials about the double tariff increase proposal by Eskom, that in just 12 hours Durban business lost R4 million in income during load shedding.
Aggrieved stakeholders said that, because of load shedding, businesses had seen a decrease in income, adding that the proposed increase would cripple their businesses. Their concerns come after Eskom revealed last week that it intended to apply for a 9.58 percent electricity tariff increase, in addition to the 14.25 percent that has already been granted by the National Energy Regulator of SA.If the request is granted, it will push electricity increases up to almost 24 percent.Eskom has said it needs the money to pay for its mounting fuel bills to run open-cycle gas turbines and extend its short-term power purchase agreements to avoid load shedding.The eThekwini Municipality ratepayers and businesses have reacted angrily to the proposal, vowing to fight it.
Speaking at a robust round-table meeting on Friday, Hans Beier, chairman of Beier Safety Footwear, said his company had lost R4m last month during a 12-hour power outage.Tongaat Hulett’s Voermol Feeds said it lost 36 hours in stoppages as a result of outbreaks. This translated into a R2.8m loss for the company.Speaking on behalf of businesses, Durban Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dumile Cele said the proposed price adjustment would continue to cripple businesses.
