Q&A’s, 2008

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
IQP: 15-2008

Question 956

Dr S M van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

(1) What measures has Eskom introduced since the criticism from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) in order to synchronise its financial, resource and operational planning for the performance of engineering and maintenance work;

(2) Why did Eskom export more power than it was contractually committed to neighboring countries from November 2007 until the beginning of 2008? NW1648E

Reply

(1) In the light of the capacity challenges facing Eskom, the Chief Executive Officer of Eskom had initiated structural changes to position Eskom to be more effective in dealing with the challenges that lie ahead.

These changes include the location of its Integrated Strategic Energy Planning (ISEP - long term planning) and short term planning under a single division, led by the Chief Officer Networks and Customer Services. This division is also responsible for system operations, which looks at balancing demand and supply requirements.

(2) Eskom did not export more than its contractual commitments during the period in question, with the exception of exports to Namibia. This was due to an unforeseeable situation where the river flow into their Ruacana Hydro power station was at unusually low levels and their normal levels of own generation could not be sustained. In such a situation Namibia would have had power shortages of up to 65% of their requirements which would negatively affect the stability of their system. The supply agreement between Eskom and NamPower as well as the support obligations in terms of the South African Power Pool (SAPP) provides for such circumstances. These commitments of emergency support are reciprocal.