Energy regulator Nersa on 29 January approved an application by Eskom to lower the tariff it charges the Glencore-Merafe and Samancor smelters from 136c/kWh to 87c/kWh.
The discount will be applicable from 1 January to 31 December this year and will only apply to these two Eskom customers. Nersa will deal with applications from other smelters, which have pleaded the same hardship, when it receives such applications.
The decision by the energy regulator is subject to the approval of a government funding mechanism to fill the gap between the current tariff which is already discounted in terms of negotiated pricing agreements NPAs and the 87c/kWh.
