We read this article today with shock. Why the government can’t undertand that the major reason we are in the power circumstances we find ourselves is due to the fact that power generation was controlled by one enetity – Eskom. It now seems that Eskom is in the controlling seat where tarriffs are discussed for alternative COMPETITVE energy investments. Well that is sure one fine way to avoid foreign direct investment in our Green energy market. 

Read this article from Fin24:

Cape Town – Great concern exists that the appointment of Eskom as sole purchaser of all forms of renewable energy creates conflicts of interest, claims the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA). 

In its commentary on the proposed import tariff model for renewable energy drawn up by the National Energy Regulator (Nersa), SAWEA says Eskom clearly has a conflict of interest because it, too, be a large generator of renewable energy if the 100MW wind farm near Koekenaap and the envisaged 100MW concentrated solar energy station at Upington become reality. 
If Eskom has a double role as gatekeeper for the money used to finance the import tariff, as well as being a participant in the generation of renewable energy, this could lead to unfair treatment of the new independent power producers that could be regarded as competitors to Eskom. 

SAWEA says Eskom is a commercial entity and the temptation to protect its own interests could be too difficult to resist. 

In December, Nersa announced its proposed import tariff model for renewable energy for commentary. The period for commentary expired last week. 

A public hearing on the model is envisaged for February 5, and an approved tariff model will be announced on March 9. The tariff is intended as a form of subsidy to promote investment in renewable energy.

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