Johnathan Paoli
Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has blamed the unpreparedness and lack of investment on a municipal level for the rise in load reduction, despite celebrating over 100 days of no load-shedding.
Ramokgopa and his deputy Samantha Graham-Maré gave an update on power-related issues at Tshedimosetso House, in Pretoria on Monday, focusing on electricity distribution and generation performance.
He blamed mismanagement and poor capacity at municipal level as a result of the recent implementation of load reduction, causing electricity shortages for consumers.
Ramokgopa said he was concerned over the recent rise of cases of load shedding, and that it was surprising considering the generation side has done exceptionally well and was able to meet demand.
“Now we know that as a result of perennial under-investment in the distribution infrastructure by the municipalities, poor planning and technical capacity; there is a severe strain, and then initiate load reduction,” Ramokgopa said.
The Minister announced on Friday last week that the country had reached the longest consecutive period without any load shedding since October 2020.
State power utility Eskom said Monday marked a significant achievement for six of it’s generation power stations, which recorded an energy availability factor (EAF) of 70% and higher, namely Medupi, Kusile, Matimba, Matla, Hendrina and Grootvlei
“One station stood out with an exceptional EAF of 91.9%. Despite facing unplanned outages totaling 12 071MW, the available capacity increased to 32 910 MW, a level last achieved in August 2021. This outstanding performance resulted in our real-time EAF standing at 67.9%,” the utility said.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his weekly newsletter, said the government of national unity (GNU) remained committed to continuing and completing the expected reforms, to resolve the immediate electricity supply problems and lay the groundwork for energy security going forward.
Ramaphosa said the proposed reforms included the removal of the licensing threshold for new power generation projects, tax incentives for rooftop solar, opening more bid windows for renewable energy projects, and improving Eskom’s operational viability.
“This forms part of the reforms we have been driving to establish an electricity market that will enable competition, secure supply and revolutionise the energy sector,” he said.
The president said the GNU will sustain the momentum of improving electricity supply, continue to implement the Energy Action Plan and support the hard-working management and staff of Eskom.
“By focusing on the broader picture and by scaling up what has already been achieved, we are in a far better position to achieve the task we have set ourselves: to end loadshedding and achieve an energy-secure future,” Ramaphosa said.
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