Eskom Cuts Price Hike Request

30 November 2009 (Last Updated November 30th, 2009 18:30)

South African state power firm Eskom has cut its request for tariff rises by 10% a year over the next three years, the energy regulator has announced. The company has cut its request for tariff rises to 35% from 45%, reports Reuters. Eskom's earlier application had been critic

South African state power firm Eskom has cut its request for tariff rises by 10% a year over the next three years, the energy regulator has announced.

The company has cut its request for tariff rises to 35% from 45%, reports Reuters.

Eskom's earlier application had been criticised by the ruling African National Congress, industry and trade unions in Africa's biggest economy.

Eskom has said it needs the increases to pay for its 385 billion rand ($50bn) supply expansion programme to meet rising demand.