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Johannesburg - Over 80% of a sample of people surveyed felt the proposed electricity price increases will be difficult to cope with, research company TNS said on Monday.
"Eight out of ten people will battle to cope with the mooted
electricity price rises - only a quarter feel they are justified," said the company, of the 2000 people questioned in November.
Eskom had initially asked for three annual electricity price
increases of 45%, but this request was revised to 35%
a year for three years.
"This comes in the wake of pressure from all political parties
as well as Cosatu [Congress of SA Trade Unions], with significant concerns being raised about the inflationary effects of such large price rises, as well as the impact on an economy still struggling to cope with the current recession," TNS said in a statement.
"However, this price hike reduction also brings with it an
increased risk of load shedding in 2011 and beyond, as well as a
delay in implementing certain infrastructure developments.
"Many still feel that a 35% price rise is well beyond the
means of ordinary people."
Only those without electricity were relatively unconcerned.
Eskom has justified the increase by saying it needs to catch up
on infrastructure improvements and construction.
- Sapa