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12 Jan 2011

The Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Malusi Gigaba, would like to appeal to all South Africans to continue to use electricity more efficiently.

As the economy recovers from the global economic downturn, demand for electricity has consequently increased. In the absence of new significant generation capacity coming on line within the next two years, meeting the increasing demand will remain a challenge.

We remain resolute that the country should never again go through another period of rotational load-shedding, as experienced in 2008. Therefore, the prudent use of electricity by all South Africans, including households, industry, government and business, will assist us in this regard.

Eskom must, in turn, continue to improve its current generation fleet’s operational performance, improve its internal energy efficiency initiatives, as well as its demand side management programmes, while ensuring that the timeous delivery of the build programme is not compromised.

Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring that the initiatives proposed in the Medium Term Risk Mitigation Plan (i.e. non-Eskom Generation including Co-generation, Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management programmes) are realised.

We will continue to work together with the Department of Energy and other relevant departments, to achieve our goals of long-term security of electricity supply for South Africa.

For media enquiries contact:
Ayanda Shezi
Cell: 079 880 2059

Richard Mantu
Cell: 072 488 1520

Source: Department of Public Enterprises

Issued by: Department of Public Enterprises
12 Jan 2011

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