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2010-03-02: Electricity price hike a “body blow” for city residents   

The City of Johannesburg is extremely disappointed by the 25% hike in electricity prices for three successive years approved by the energy regulator, Nersa.

“This is a blow for the people of Johannesburg – both residents and the business community,” says Mayor Masondo. “A sharp rise in electricity costs will have a severe impact on poor households who will be further affected by higher prices of other essential commodities.”

A price hike of more than four times the rate of inflation is unacceptable to consumers. “We trust that Eskom will reconsider this proposal before a final decision is taken,” he says.

Mayor Masondo says the City is placed in “an unenviable situation” because it receives the bulk of its electricity from Eskom.

“We will have to assess the situation very carefully and look at ways to absorb some of the increases before passing it on to consumers. We will also continue with our efforts to roll-out alternative energy solutions within the City of Johannesburg,” says Mayor Masondo.



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Released on behalf of the Executive Mayor by:
Nkhensani  Makhobela
Spokesperson for the Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 407 7524
Fax: 011 339 5709
Cell: 082 461 7075