ELECTRICITY Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa provided an update on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.
He briefed the media at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Monday, 9 October.
He said the most enduring resolution to this problem is to ensure that when the units return, they remain at full load, the approximate design capacity.
"Addressing the reliability and efficiency, I think Thuthuka Power Plant is an excellent example of what the team has achieved for a long time and was operating on one unit but now are consistently operating with four units," he said.
"The grid performance is that we're beginning to register progress. We're turning the corner," he said.
The minister also said that they will continue investigating their efforts and resources on planned maintenance.
"Eskom has indicated that the peak of planned maintenance should be seating at about 7 000 megawatts. In winter periods, we were sitting at about 2 500 megawatts. We're using the opportunity of reduced demand to intensify planned maintenance," said Ramokgopa.
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He said there is a legal issue that undermines Eskom's ability to invest comprehensively in the maintenance site.
He said they are beginning to see the results of discipline.
"We are average now about 14100 megawatts. We have reduced the unplanned capacity loss factor by about 3 000 megawatts. The grid is healthier, about 5 000 megawatts," he said.
Ramokgopa said the team is working hard to make sure to reduce partial low losses.
He said municipalities need a substantive amount of money for the refurbishment and maintenance of distribution infrastructure.
The minister said communities and industries can't go without electricity when some of them are diligent payers.
"The state needs to come forward and remove illegal connections, protect the poor and have grant dispensation," said Ramokgopa.
