The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has begun trading, Eskom announced in a joint statement today, with the Department of Public Enterprises.
The NTCSA is a separate, distinct, and subsidiary of Eskom, established to own and manage the transmission system.
Mteto Nyathi, Eskom Board Chairperson, said the NTCSA will function as a Transmission System Operator and buyer.
“…the NTCSA will focus on increasing the capacity of the national transmission grid to allow the connection of much needed new power generation capacity.”
Nyathi said the entity will be led by an independent Board. It is also expected to provide open access to the electricity network.
The step is lauded in the energy fraternity as a significant step to unbundling and reforming Eskom. The entity is expected to propel a competitive energy market.
Priscillah Mabelane, Board Chairperson of the NTCSA, said “we will ensure non-discriminatory access to the transmission network and seek ways to accelerate the rollout of the transmission grid, whole fostering transparency and efficiency.”