Eskom wants to increase the price of power by more than the 14.2 per cent that was agreed with the energy regulator.

The electricity provider wants to hike tariffs even higher than the 18.7 per cent it had initially requested before the regulator rejected its plans, Reuters reports.

But the move could bring protest from trade unions and COSATU said it would consider action if electricity prices increased again.

"Market forces have moved materially, especially the price of coal, and there has to be a pass through on primary energy costs," explained Eskom Financial Director, Bongani Nqwababa.

He told Reuters that the tariff increase "will be much higher" than the application for 18.7 per cent hikes.

The National Energy Regulator (NERSA) has not ruled out Eskom's proposals and said it will consider the application it presents.

Meanwhile South Africa's biggest mining union is threatening strike action if their members lose their jobs as a result of the country's electrical shortage.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has voiced concerns over the ongoing power crisis and claimed it would consider strike action.

"Many of our members have been put on extended leave as a result of load shedding problems," a statement from NUM General Secretary Frans Baleni said.

Lesiba Seshoka, chief of the NUM, said he was urging mining companies to persuade the Government and Eskom to think of the impact the crisis was having on jobs.

Sources:

S.Africa power firm seeks bigger price hike, 22/02/08
http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL22732895.html

Mineworkers may consider mass action over power crisis, union warns, 22/02/08
http://www.miningweekly.co.za/article.php?a_id=127676

SA miners in power strike threat, 26/02/08
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7264437.stm

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