NTCSA can now get ‘down to business’ overhauling electricity industry – Gordhan
Public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan has welcomed the National Energy Regulator of SA’s (Nersa) decision to approve the trading and import/export licence applications by the National Transmission Company of SA (NTCSA). The NTCSA is wholly owned by Eskom, as the stateowned company is being restructured into generation, transmission and distribution subsidiaries. “This is great news for the people of South Africa,” Gordhan said.
“We now have in place all the critical elements for creating a more dynamic, more responsive and competitive electricity industry.
“The granting of these licences means the National Transmission Company of South Africa is ready to get down to business and bring a muchneeded overhaul of our electricity industry.
“This is a significant milestone as it also paves the way for the procurement of power from across the region.”
The department said the
NTCSA applied for a trading licence to be able to buy and sell electricity from power stations and independent power producers.
“The terms of the NTCSA’s trading licence will be five years as a transitional arrangement to allow for transition from the exclusive trading arrangement and incorporation of changes that may emanate from the ERA amendment and price review processes.
“The licence gives the NTCSA authorisation to conduct import and export of electricity activities throughout the Southern African Development Community [SADC] using the NTCSA transmission network and the transmission systems of other SADC member countries,” the department said.
“The NTCSA will operate the transmission system and perform . . . key integrated roles to ensure the integrity of the interconnected power system [IPS] . . .