South Africa’s energy system in a crisis

By Ofentse Mokae
03 February 2010

Paul van Niekerk of the The Energy Intensive User Group says South Africa’s electricity system is at a major risk.

Van Niekerk was addressing the Energy Dialogue in Johannesburg hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said the group, comprising of huge companies, is worried about security of supply until 2015.

He adds that there will be vast repercussions if the cost of electricity becomes too great.

Meanwhile Energy minister Dipuo Peters says the extent and use of electricity in the southern African region should not be underestimated.

Peters says is it critical that the country has enough energy supply to help sustain some of the development plans government and business want to undertake.

She added that the business community needed to get involved in the discussions around developing a viable funding model for Eskom.