Summer-time load shedding and power cuts very possible – Erwin

SOUTH AFRICA’S electricity supply will continue to be finely balanced for at least the next five years, warns public enterprises minister Alec Erwin. Speaking at the Cape Times Safmarine breakfast club in Cape Town recently, Erwin said “while Eskom managed to go through the winter season without any load shedding, the situation remains serious. “As we approach the summer months, traditionally the time during which Eskom enters maintenance season, the system will remain vulnerable, as a lot of plant will be out of service. “Until sufficient new plant capacity is commissioned, the electricity challenges remain a reality. The next five years are crucial in the successful execution of the build programme, as well as the restructuring of the distribution sector”.