Rudy Dicks, Chairperson of the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) said South Africa is not out of the woods as yet, despite major strides to secure electricity supply.
Since load-shedding was suspended at the end of March, Eskom has saved over R 5 billion in diesel costs and encouraged continued consumer cooperation to save electricity by limiting consumption.
Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s NECOM Conference held today until tomorrow, Gary van Niekerk, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, said he welcomes Eskom’s commitment to keep the lights on, in Gqeberha.
He said “I am encouraged that the engagements over the two days at the Sun International Boardwalk will result in the rejuvenation of efforts to keep the lights on and to ultimately secure new electricity generation capacity.”
He also said the gathering serves as a think-tank, to discuss electricity solutions for the country.
“The leadership team at our Electricity and Energy Directorate, managed to traverse difficult times, at the height of electricity disruptions, by introducing and maintaining one of the least punitive load-shedding schedules in the country.
We also managed to introduce load curtailment in various areas, geyser control, implement energy efficient lighting and solar powered high mast lights amongst others” he said.
He said efforts to cushion the Bay’s industrial zones from loadshedding by only including major businesses during stages five and upwards, had challenges.
“Unfortunately, our residents and businesses located in suburbs had to bear the brunt of the power outages resulting in major losses and the eventual closure of small businesses.”
Big industrial companies in the area, such as the Coega SEZ Development Project, announced the implementation of alternatives.
Last week, Coega said it’s pushing ahead with phase 1 of a planned 4,5 Megawatts of PV solar in 5 of its buildings – the Coega SEZ and Nelson Mandela Bay Logistics Park buildings (NMBLP).
Pictures: Supplied