Using solar while on Eskom’s grid? You might have to pay R938 for 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.

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“The aim is not to get additional revenue but to rebalance tariffs in such a way that fixed costs are recovered to a greater extent by fixed charges,” Eskom said.

SOLAR POWER USERS TO PAY MORE

The new structured tariffs will hit solar users harder. Customers would have to pay a fixed capacity fee, regardless of power usage, to cover fixed costs. Another fee will be paid based on consumption of Eskom’s power.

Eskom had initially charged R218 for their grid connection if their electricity was not used by solar panel owners.

The new proposed additional fixed capacity will charge solar power users an extra R720.

This means, should a solar panel be installed and one remains on the Eskom grid, they will pay a total of R938.

IS ESKOM TARGETING SELF-GENERATION CONSUMERS?

It seems Eskom is after those who have found their own way of generating power. The proposed tariffs actually decrease for households who consume more of Eskom’s electricity.

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The tariff structure will subsidise those with lower power usage through the fees charged to those with higher consumption.

However, Eskom will propose a net-billing rate for those who are able to produce excess electricity.

PUBLIC TO COMMENT ON NEW ELECTRICITY PRICING

Meanwhile, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) will be hosting a workshop on the electricity industry’s new price determination methodology.

This comes after NERSA published a consultation document after initiating a process to develop an electricity industry new price methodology.

The energy regulator is now at the stage where the full details of the methodology are being consulted on.

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“In order to enhance NERSA’s public participation process in this regard, the Electricity Division will hold a public stakeholder workshop to facilitate discussions that will assist the Electricity Division in finalising the new methodology for the benefit of the country’s industries, end-user customers and licensees,” NERSA spokesperson Poppie Mahlangu said.