South Africa: Eskom's Hike 'Could Cost 250,000 Jobs'

Johannesburg — THE decision by the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) to grant Eskom a 24,8% tariff increase has been slated by unions, political parties and the South African Chamber of Commerce (Sacci), which say it could lead to the loss of 250 000 jobs.

"Energy constitutes a major input cost for a large proportion of businesses. The increase will probably have an adverse impact on investment in production," the chamber said yesterday. "Sacci estimates that approximately 25 000 jobs will be lost as a consequence, and it will be a factor in CPI (consumer price index) remaining outside the target range."

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