Energy in South Africa |
Energy in South Africa The recent electricity hikes have had South African's in an uproar, but this is not to say that it is all together a bad thing. According to Nersa chairman, Collin Matjila, Even though Nersa recently granted Eskom a 13.3 percent increase, in addition to the 14.2 percent granted in December, we can be expected to have an increase of between 20 percent and 25 percent over the next three years. This does not mean that our experience of load shedding is now a thing of the past. According to Eskom chief executive Jacob Maroga, the possibility of load shedding resuming soon is high due to the fact that the company still suffers from inadequate reserve margins. This has a very negative on businesses and following the last power shortages many might have to close their doors. For good.
In 2002/3 Eskom started a three year pilot wind project at Klipheuwel which in 2006 was deemed as successful. This facility will be commercially operated for its twenty year lifespan by Eskom's generation division. There is an active wind farm in Darling and Eskom has approved plans for a 100-MW wind power plant which could start in 2009 and operations starting at the beginning of 2010. This project forms part of Eskom's R300-billion capacity expansion programme to increase our power supply over the next five years. You can make a difference in saving energy (and money) by making a few minor adjustments in your home. Replace your regular light bulbs with energy efficient ones. Simple. Make a difference where you can and lets keep our power going!
For a load shedding schedule in your area, visit the following link http://www.eskom.co.za/live/LoadSheddingNew.php?Item_ID=6219
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