Load shedding prospects for the year are bleak - Ramokgopa
ANC NEC member responsible for Electricity in government, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says rolling blackouts will remain for the rest of the year at least.
He was speaking at the party's four-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg on Saturday.
The country has been experiencing stage 6 load shedding in recent weeks.
Ramokgopa presented a report to the NEC after embarking on a nationwide tour inspecting power stations in his capacity as Minister of Electricity.
He provided feedback related to four interventions to address the power crisis which include the continued use of diesel to generate electricity, addressing energy availability factors, ramping up of generation while reducing demand, and the isolation of critical sectors including, hospitals, prisons, police stations and others.
"Unfortunately, is not possible to end load shedding tomorrow, and technically not possible to end load shedding by the end of 2023,” he said.
"That is why we are in pains to illustrate the kind of steps we are taking - the winter period now and the next six months and going into 18 months. But we will do everything possible to ensure that its intensity is not as severe so that we get the economy going."
Ramokgopa also refuted reports that load shedding was silently implemented at stage 8 already.
He says they have set aside at least R30 billion aside for diesel procurement at Eskom.
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