Eskom public hearing to continue

Johannesburg - Public hearings into Eskom's proposed electricity price increases will continue at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Wednesday.

Eskom has applied to raise electricity prices by 16% per year over the next five years.

Eskom estimates it will need R1.1 trillion for its infrastructure maintenance, staff cost and growth.

Earthlife Africa activists plan to protest over the hike opposite the main entrance of Gallagher Estates at 8:30am.

At 10am, members from the National Union of Metalworkers of SA plan to protest as well.

At a recent hearing in Durban, the National Energy Regulator of SA warned that as many as 35 000 people in the sugar cane industry could lose their jobs if the increase were to go ahead.

The SA Cane Growers' Association said the increase could result in the closure of four mills.