Load shedding a possibility for the rest of the year

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Phakamile Hadebe, was briefing the media at Megawatt Park on Friday morning about the company's nine-point plan to turn around the embattled power utility.

Hadebe said the current system is not optimal and therefore load shedding is unavoidable.

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"However, it's crucial that I inform you that load shedding cannot be ruled out for the remaining part of the year," Hadebe says.

Hadebe urged the country to use electricity sparingly, more especially during peak times.

He says an outage team is in the pipeline to deal with issues.

"We are planning an outage team per power station to ensure outage readiness. We need to increase our outage performance," Hadebe says.

According to Hadebe, Eskom management also needs to plan better for the rainy season.

Meanwhile, Eskom has suspended its Executive for the Group Capital Division, Mr. Abram Masango, pending an investigation into various allegations of impropriety against him relating to the Kusile Power Station build project.

"Given the serious nature of the allegations made against him and the seniority of his position in Eskom, the Eskom management took a decision to place him on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation”," the power utility said on Friday