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Johannesburg - The resignation of the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) CEO Phindile Baleni will lead to hikes in the electricity price, the Democratic Alliance said on Tuesday.
"Sadly, Ms Baleni’s resignation now heightens the possibility of a far more compliant Nersa CEO being installed, an appointment that will surely mean further electricity price hikes for consumers," DA MP Gordon Mackay said in a statement.
READ: Time for Nersa to own up on Eskom
"Under Ms Baleni’s leadership Nersa has remained a steadfast defender of the South African consumer, obstructing Eskom from bank-rolling its mismanagement at our expense."
Initial reports suggested that Baleni's resignation was due to political interference at Nersa which aimed to water down the regulator's tough stance on Eskom, he said.
"It is felt that Ms Baleni has been a major stumbling block in allowing Eskom to recover increasing operational costs via the consumer."
On Tuesday, provincial government announced that Baleni had been appointed director general in Gauteng premier David Makhura's office.
"Ms Baleni brings a wealth of experience in senior management leadership and in the management of complex and diverse projects," the Gauteng government said in a statement.
On Monday, the energy ministry said Baleni resigned from her position to "pursue other interests".
