South Africa’s electricity distribution system is “an albatross” beset by fighting between Eskom and municipalities, minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said.
Author: Paul Burkhardt
Paul Burkhardt
Paul Burkhardt is a journalist for Bloomberg News covering energy - oil/gas, renewables, power and labour - in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Joburg has secured bids from private producers to provide 92MW of electricity.
A power-project developer is seeking to block new rules governing the connection of plants to the grid, saying they are flawed.
Eskom’s costs to run its diesel-powered units more than doubled as its fleet of coal-fired plants experienced frequent breakdowns.
Cape Town has set a record for the number of applications received to install solar power as the electricity crisis worsens.
The public enterprises minister undermined upper management, disrupting efforts to end the nation’s energy crisis, said former CEO André de Ruyter.
Eskom has had to defend itself against armed robbery, fuel theft, sabotage and corruption – all of which are increasing the risk of a complete power outage.
Civil society groups warned the move raises concerns about rampant corruption at the state-owned power utility.
Cabinet has approved a bill on electricity regulation designed to clear the path for private generation projects and power trading.
Government has given assurances that the electricity grid won’t be allowed to collapse. Yet increasing numbers of businesses are preparing for that very eventuality.