South Africa's Eskom power cuts
Locals are illuminated by car lights as they walk on the dark streets during frequent power outages from South African utility Eskom, caused by its aging coal-fired plants, at Lawley towship, South Africa July 13, 2022. Reuters / SIPHIWE SIBEKO

According to recent reports, a new set of laws is being drafted in South Africa to expedite energy projects and end blackouts.

The National Energy Crisis Committee of South Africa, a group overseen by President Cyril Ramaphosa, anticipates a reduction in the nation's record-breaking power outages if measures, such as a new law to expedite plant development, go into effect, Reuters reported.

The committee revealed they are working to draft emergency legislation that can be submitted to parliament to speed up the process and support concerted action. It further noted that the current regulatory system was not intended to address an energy shortage and that a maze of bureaucracy was making it challenging to address the power problem.

According to Necom, the following actions could help to resolve the crisis:

Eskom will purchase 1,000 megawatts of extra electricity from private companies that already have facilities and up to 1,000 megawatts may be imported from neighboring countries, Bloomberg Reported

Six of Eskom's 14 coal-fired power stations have been selected for specific consideration to help them operate more consistently.

By the end of 2023, more than 100 privately owned power plants in development will be connected to the grid. The planned projects might generate 9,000 megawatts in total, with the majority being used by the corporations themselves. Also, multiple contracts have been signed, and construction on the 2,800 megawatts worth of renewable energy plants that will supply the grid will soon begin.

South Africa has been plagued by ongoing power outages due to outdated coal-fired power plants, underfunding for additional capacity, and inaction on policies to support private suppliers.

Reports indicate that the country's energy issue is simply growing worse. This week, President Ramaphosa will meet with several stakeholders to talk about how to address the nation's growing power shortages. Political party leaders were present at a meeting where it was stated that electricity shortages are likely to last at least until 2024.

Meanwhile, South Africa experiences violent protests as the dissatisfaction over the electrical issue grows.

Residents are calling for a nationwide shutdown out of growing frustration with the country's deteriorating energy situation.

Boksburg locals protested against lengthy power outages on Monday by taking to the streets. According to the local news source TimesLive, flaming tires and debris have blocked highways in Boksburg.