VISIT TO NERSA TO DISCUSS ELECTRICITY PRICES
SAIF accompanied a delegation of industry leaders, the dti and NFTN employees to present the impact of the electricity price increases on the industry competitiveness. David Mertens, of Autocast and Brenton Van Vuuren of Borbet made an excellent impression on the NERSA executives, who were sympathetic to our plight. The following week the announcement of a reduction in the electricity price increase from ESKOM for 2012 from 25% to 16% was made.
Whilst this remains a major challenge it does represent a temporary respite for the foundry industry. Further meetings with the SA Local Government Association (SALGA), which represents the municipalities, will be held in early April 2012. We will provide feedback in this regard.