Ramaphosa grants power, functions to Ramokgopa

Ramaphosa named Ramokgopa as the minister of electricity during his cabinet reshuffle after his State of the Nation Address earlier this year.

The president has also transferred to the minister of electricity the powers and functions set out in Section 34(2) of the Electricity Regulation Act.

According to the act, the minister may, in consultation with the regulator, determine that new generation capacity is needed to ensure the continued uninterrupted supply of electricity, determine the types of energy sources from which electricity must be generated, and the percentages of electricity that must be generated from such sources.

In a statement on Friday, the Presidency said the proclamation will provide the minister with the powers necessary to direct the procurement of new generation capacity. 

"Other powers and functions contained in the Electricity Regulation Act – including those related to the implementation of determinations made in terms of section 34 – will remain with the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.

"The president’s delineation of powers and functions is directed at ensuring effective coordination and dedicated focus to deal more effectively and urgently with the electricity crisis.

The Minister of Electricity will, as the President indicated in the State of the Nation Address, oversee all aspects of the electricity crisis response, including the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee. This will provide a single point of command for government’s efforts to close the shortfall in electricity supply," added the Presidency.

Ramokgopa will also work full-time with the Eskom board and management to end load shedding and ensure the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. 

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