electricity

Govt Strives for Universal Access to Energy
- electricity
- energy
The Department of Energy says government will continue to strive for universal access to energy with emphasis on the rural poor.

This access will not only cover the electricity supply, infrastructure, and hardware, but also the operational cost associated with poor households.

In a speech delivered on her behalf at a power conference during African Utility Week in Cape Town Energy Minister Dipuo Peters said: “We will work closely with national Treasury and municipalities to make it happen within our available resources.”

To read the article titled, “Govt strive for universal access to energy,” click here.

Source:

<br /> Citizen

Article link:

http://www.citizen.co.za/index/article.aspx?pDesc=96303,1,22
Electricity Blackouts Set To Return
- Local
- electricity
- energy
Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica, says South Africa must brace themselves for a dark winter, as electricity blackouts are expected.

“The country cannot afford any delays to this important transformation process. The delay on electricity distribution restructuring has been too costly to the country and the economy,” Sonjica said in Johannesburg yesterday. A target to centralise the distribution of electricity through the state-owned EDI Holdings last year has already lapsed. The deadline has since been extended by another three years.

Sonjica said the delays and continued fragmentation, poor investment in infrastructure, loss of skills and the unequal treatment of customers “cost the country no less than R2billion per year”.

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Source:

<br /> Sowetan

Article link:

http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=951315
Eskom’s Power Project Costs Rise
Eskom says that while costs for its two new power plants had risen on the back of volatile commodity markets, they will be completed on time.

Company spokesperson, Fani Zulu, points out that the costs for the Medupi power station had risen to R100 billion from previous estimates of R84-billion. Costs for Kusile are now estimated at R111 billion, up from previous forecasts of R80 billion.

He says only the Tubatse hydro power plant will be delayed because it was not required urgently as energy demand is expected to grow at a much slower pace due to the economic slowdown.

To read the article titled, “Eskom says power project costs to rise,” click here.

Source:

Mail & Guardian