President Jacob Zuma has publicly called on Eskom to look into alternatives of reducing its electricity price increase requirements.

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has asked electricity parastatal Eskom to look into alternatives of reducing its price increase requirements from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).

"I have asked Eskom to seek options on how the price increase requirement may be reduced over the next few years, in support of economic growth and job creation and give me proposals for consideration," said the President during his fourth State of the Nation Address on Thursday 9 February.

The president had taken cognisance of on-going concerns from business and communities regarding high electricity costs.

Eskom applies for tariff increases from Nersa. In 2010, the regulator granted the power parastatal a 24.8% tariff increase, followed by a 25.8% and 25.9% tariff increase for the periods 2011/12 and 2012/13 respectively.

Zuma said an electricity price path should ensure that the power utility, as well as industry, remains financially viable and sustainable but at the same time remain affordable, particularly for the poor.

"However, to achieve sustainability, a pact will be required with all South Africans including business, labour, municipalities, communities and all customers and suppliers. We must save electricity," he said.

The President stressed that for the next two years, the county's electricity system will remain tight until the first units of the Medupi and Kusile power stations come into operation.

"We should all play our part in order to avoid load shedding," he said, adding that South Africa will continue to search for renewable energy sources, especially solar electricity and biofuels.

Over 220 000 solar geysers to date have been installed nationwide.

Source: BuaNews