Despite the fact that the National Energy Regulator ran an impeccable public participation process around Eskom's tariff application, many South Africans feel somewhat powerless in the face of what now appears to be inevitable price spikes. For sure, South Africans have not treated this low-cost resource with the respect it deserves and there still is real savings potential. But it is also urgent that incentives be put in place so that we don't simply move ahead with a blackout mentality, which leaves little room for economic growth and innovation. Such incentives are also urgent given the whole debacle around the former CEO's compensation claim, which really doesn't help create an atmosphere conducive to ordinary South Africans wanting to make sacrifices.












