Business Report writes that the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) has approved Eskom’s application for a two-year incentive pricing package for Silicon Smelter’s plants in Polokwane and eMalahleni.  

Eskom made its case for a negotiated pricing agreement to Nersa earlier this year after Silicon Smelters, which is owned by global silicon metal and silicon-based alloys producer Ferroglobe, asked the power utility to supply electricity at an “appropriate” price for the company to reconsider its decision to cease silicon production at its two sites.  Nersa last week confirmed that the regulator had approved the application in August and said it would release the reasons for its decision in due course.  The approval of the incentive pricing package should entice the group to include production from South Africa in a revised global production plan.  The pricing agreement was moreover meant to save 3,600 jobs that would be lost if the company ceased operations.  Nersa’s consultation paper on Eskom’s application indicated that silicon metal producers around the world were facing difficult conditions as silicon prices were at their lowest levels.  

• Read the original of this report by Siseko Njobeni in full at SA Labour News

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