The DA believes that the proposed solar power levy by Eskom is extortionate. Photo: @Our_DA and @Eskom_SA / Twitter
DA says Eskom’s proposed R938 solar levy is ‘extortionate’
The DA’s Kevin Mileham says the proposed solar power levy by Eskom is extortionate, adding that it violates consumer rights.
The DA believes that the proposed solar power levy by Eskom is extortionate. Photo: @Our_DA and @Eskom_SA / Twitter
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is anything but impressed by Eskom’s proposed solar power levy.
DA’s Kevin Mileham says the proposed levy is extortion
Eskom requested that the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) require that on-grid solar power users pay R938 every month – even though they are not using its power. The DA’s Kevin Mileham referred to this as being ‘extortionate’ adding that it violates consumer rights.
Mileham described the proposed levy as Eskom punishing homeowners and businesses who want alternative power sources.
“This is regressive and negates every claim that the government has said about opening up the grid to independent power producers,”
he said.
Opposition party believes Ramaphosa should reject the levy
Speaking about Minister Gwede Mantashe, Mileham stated that the idea of a second Eskom is a fantasy. Mileham noted that the embattled power utility, in whatever form, will not solve the country’s electricity crisis.
“Eskom’s R938 tariff charge on solar users has laid bare the chaos that is currently prevailing in President Ramaphosa’s government on the energy front,”
said Mileham.
The Shadow Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy says that if President Cyril Ramaphosa is serious about solving the load shedding crisis in a short time, he would reject the R938 levy.
“Instead, solar installation incentives should be announced to ensure that more people are motivated to consider solar energy as an alternative to Eskom’s unreliable power supply,”
he added.
Using solar while on Eskom’s grid? You might have to pay R938 for that
Previously, it was reported that those with solar panels but still on Eskom’s grid will pay hundreds of rands more each month in the new proposed power tariffs.
The power utility currently charges a single electricity tariff for variable and fixed costs which accumulate in producing power.
But MyBroadband reports that Eskom aims to modernise the tariffs to reflect the changing electricity environment. The power utility also wants to ensure fair recovery for all provided services to all consumers on the grid and the system. Read the full story here.
