Eskom signs power deal with Namibia

ESKOM said yesterday it had signed a five-year electricity sales agreement with Namibia’s national electricity utility, NamPower, at the Southern African Power Pool executive committee meeting in Maseru, Lesotho. Eskom said the new agreement was testimony to the long, noble history of power trading between the sister utilities and also illustrates its commitment to powering the development of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Acting chief executive Matshela Koko said the utility stood ready to supply electricity to the region. He said it would allow regional economies to grow and create an increased demand for electricity. “Eskom has turned around and it is now open for business with surplus capacity available to empower economic growth. This agreement provides energy security to Namibia and allows for economic development and growth in the country without electricity availability concerns.” NamPower said it would continue to employ all possible means to ensure the delivery of electricity supply services to the national economy was carried out in a sustainable manner.” NamPower has entered into a number of power purchase agreements, of which the biggest import portfolio is with Eskom,” said Mbuere ua Mbuere, NamPower general manager.