TLU SA finds it highly suspicious that Eskom, being dissatisfied with the rate increases approved by Nersa, suddenly instituted load shedding only days after commencing legal action against the electricity regulator.
“It is difficult not to conclude that there is subtle extortion being applied, especially considering the fact that this has occurred on a number of occasions previously when Eskom has been dissatisfied with Nersa’s decisions,” said Mr Louis Meintjies, TLU SA president. The consumer may be excused for believing that Eskom is using load shedding as a method to impose its will on consumers when rulings are taken against it.
“The organisation’s explantation that problems have been experienced since Saturday, while the country was unexpectedly subjected to load shedding without prior warning, is equally unacceptable,” he said. Correct irrigation scheduling during the crippling drought and current extreme temperatures is vitally important for farmers so that they can provide food for South African consumers. They have been unilaterally denied the right of proper advance planning through Eskom’s irresponsible and uncaring attitude. I want to invite farmers who have suffered losses or damage as a result to contact TLU SA so that we can investigate appropriate action for reparations.
“Eskom has funds available to institute expensive legal action against Nersa, yet cannot afford essential maintenance and repairs. This is completely unacceptable and Eskom’s operational manager’s apology for the significant damage suffered by the country’s economy is not worth the paper it is written on.,” said Mr Meintjies.
