The National Energy Regulatory of SA (Nersa) said the communities’ low turnout at their public hearing in Kimberley on Tuesday was not cause for concern.

Less than a 100 people attended the hearing, organised by Nersa to get public inputs in the proposed 16% annual electricity increase by Eskom for five years. The Northern Cape leg of the nationwide hearings was held in Kimberley’s Christian Revival Church.

Chairperson of the electricity subcommittee Thembani Bukula told The New Age the relatively small turnout was not an indication of mistrust of the Nersa process.

“In the past we did come to their defence when it comes to electricity increases. The poor come first and we need to protect them,” said Bukula.

“In some areas we even went to the extent of calling for the public hearings on weekends, but people will always have an excuse not to attend. We are glad that the people who pitched up this morning are actually leaders in their respective organisations, they therefore represent the majority out there,” he said.

Before the start of the hearing, Numsa members picketed outside the hall, calling for Nersa to reject Eskom’s proposal.

“It’s Numsa’s view that Eskom’s application, if approved, will lead not only to job losses but also general price increases.

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