As President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation on Thursday, 8 February 2024, there is certainly good news to reflect on, including a strengthening of the business-government partnership through Business for South Africa that is “getting the job done” through the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM). The SONA is an opportunity for the President to confirm governments commitment to a sustainable energy future for all South Africans as well as announce key interventions that will accelerate efforts to end loadshedding, ensure future energy security and modernise our energy sector. A strong message in this regard is critical to building investor confidence that is needed to unlock economic growth and job creation.
When reflecting on the most visible part of our energy crisis i.e. load shedding, there is increasing confidence that the historic downward trend of Eskom’s plant availability has stablised and this is backed by sustained positive performance at priority power stations. While Eskom has a lot of hard work ahead, with the new Eskom CEO starting on 1 March and the new National Transmission Company (NTCSA) Board already in place, a clear message of performance and accountability in Eskom is important.
The most important reform message should be for government to continue to push for the assent of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill (ERA), currently before the National Assembly. This will help lay the foundation for the long-awaited sector modernisation, including the unbundling of Eskom and the introduction of our first energy market.
PRESS STATEMENT BY JAMES MACKAY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT THE ENERGY COUNCIL
6 FEBRUARY 2024
