Members of energy regulator Nersa sounded perplexed about Eskoms application for an interim electricity tariff applicable to Samancor and Glencore-Merafes smelters that is meant as a bridging mechanism to an even lower tariff to be implemented on 1 March.
During a public hearing about the application on Tuesday 27 January, Eskom pleaded with the regulator to also approve an application to extend a waiver of the take-or-pay condition in its negotiated pricing agreements with the two companies, based on the hardship they are currently suffering.
Eskom asked for an extension of the waiver, which was initially approved in August for six months, so that it will be valid for another year.
