MPs fear load shedding might continue into winter
The utility's management appeared before Parliament’s Electricity and Energy Committee on Friday to present its five-year corporate plan and budget after implementing Stage 2 load shedding.
One of Eskom's 15 coal-fired power stations. Picture: Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp
CAPE TOWN - Members of Parliament fear Eskom might continue with its load shedding right into the winter season, with some saying the entity is not entirely on top of things.
The utility's management appeared before Parliament’s Electricity and Energy Committee on Friday to present its five-year corporate plan and budget after implementing Stage 2 load shedding.
Committee Member, Adil Nchabeleng, slammed Eskom, saying the committee should be taken into confidence by Eskom.
"It shows that really we are not on top of things. So I think Eskom needs to start taking the portfolio committee work seriously."
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The ANC's Fasiha Hassan also questioned Eskom’s diesel use in its open-cycle gas turbines to keep the lights on.
"We are load shedding right now, I think we’re all very concerned and worried it’s the beginning of winter. We need to know how hard we are driving these open-cycle gas turbines."
Eskom said the diesel use was only temporary and that the company has a winter plan to mitigate any further blackouts.