Eskom To Add 2,500 MW By End Of August, Load Shedding Still Not Over: Ramokgopa

Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced that Eskom is expected to generate an extra 2,500MW as the power grid will be strengthened with generating units expected to return by the end of August.

During a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday morning, he noted that Medupi Unit 4 is expected to provide 800MW and Kusile Unit 6 will also contribute 800MW. Furthermore, there is hope for extending the life of Koeberg Unit 2, which could add 980MW.

The minister cautioned that despite feeling positive about Eskom's performance, load shedding is still not over.

"I really want to caution that load shedding is not behind us. In the next three weeks or so Eskom will be sharing what the summer outlook is. We are still buoyant about the performance of these generation plants," Ramokgopa said, SA News reported.

He added, "Having said that, we need to caution against any early declaration to decree load shedding as behind us. We do everything possible to resolve this question but the numbers do indicate that we are within touching distance."

The minister highlighted improvements at Tutuka, Kendal, and Kriel power stations. He noted that Tutuka faced many challenges but showed progress over the time. Since March, the unplanned capacity loss factor (UCLF) at Tutuka has dropped by 29%, from 2,411MW to 949MW.

At Kendal, major issues with emissions required several fixes. The UCLF has decreased from 2,500MW to around 919MW. Kriel has also shown excellent results, with the UCLF reducing by 53%, from 1,400MW to about 508MW.

Ramokgopa explained that changing the leadership at these power stations has improved their performance.

"The people issues do matter and the Eskom leadership has taken that into account. The fact that you place the most seasoned, loyal and patriotic individuals to be at the helm of those power stations has given us the kind of results that are required," the minister said.

Last month, Ramokgopa assured South Africans that his department - along with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and local municipalities - is working hard to find a "lasting and enduring" solution to the issue of increasing the cost of electricity in the country.