The public hearings by the National Energy Regulator, NERSA into Eskom's application to increase tariffs by more than 16 percent were held at Gallagher Estate in Gauteng today. The utility says it is applying for this increase, bearing in mind that consumers are hard pressed. It maintains that it is sensitive to the current socio-economic challenges and the increase will help it meet its financial obligations. During the hearings, several protesters outside the venue expressed their displeasure over the proposed tariff increase. MorafeTabane has more on this