Outa upset over load shedding

THE ORGANISATION Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) said it was seriously concerned about the ongoing threat of load shedding due to coal shortages.

This as Eskom has started stage one load shedding across the country.

“This is due to failure to take decisive action to secure supplies and failure to ensure the minimum standard of 20 days of coal stockpiles at each power station and poor plant performance,” said Ronald Chauke, Outa portfolio manager for energy.

“The failure of the coal supplies is directly linked to the capture of Eskom and the corrupt contract with the Guptas’ Tegeta, which is under business rescue. This contract was heavily criticised in a Treasury report on corruption in Eskom.

“This has left Eskom heavily dependent on the very expensive diesel-powered generators, which raises concern that Eskom will expect to recoup these costs in a future regulatory clearing account price application.” Eskom implemented stage one rotational load shedding at 2.15pm yesterday and continued until 10pm “to preserve emergency resources,” Eskom said.

“Customers are advised to keep checking their load-shedding schedules on the Eskom and their municipal website, and to plan on the assumption that load shedding will take place.

“We continue to appeal to residents and businesses to use electricity sparingly during this period. Please switch off geysers, as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand,” Eskom said. Consumers can find the load shedding schedules on http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za, or contact the contact centre at 0860 037 566.

Eskom did not provide any further reason for the sudden load shedding.