Pretoria - Comments by rating agency Moody's over lower tariff increases for Eskom have been noted, said Eskom.
In its Weekly Credit Watch on Monday, the rating agency described the lower tariff as "credit negative for Eskom".
Earlier this month, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approved a reduced tariff increase of 16%, down from the original 25% granted in February 2010 for the power parastatal.
The tariff is for the period 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013.
"It should be noted that the ratings agency's update does not constitute a formal credit opinion on Eskom, and will thus not affect Eskom's rating," said the parastatal.
It did, however, highlight the need for electricity prices to continue moving up to cost-reflective levels.
"Our financial position is much improved. But we need certainty on a longer term price path for electricity, which will ensure that Eskom - and the electricity industry - are financially viable and sustainable," said Eskom Chief Executive Brian Dames.
Last week, Dames and Eskom's Finance Director Paul O'Flaherty visited credit rating agencies in London, accompanying the Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Benedict Martens, and officials from the DPE as well as National Treasury. The trip was to explain the reduction in the tariff increase.
At the time the lower tariff increase was announced, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba said the tariff was a result of combined efforts by government and Eskom to reduce the impact of higher electricity tariffs on the consumer as well as the economy without compromising the utility's ability to keep the lights on and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability.
