Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk welcomed Eskom’s commitment to keep the lights on during the 2024 NECOM Demand Management Indaba currently taking place in Gqeberha.
This follows a statement by the National Energy Crisis Committee Chairperson Rudy Dicks that South Africa is not out of the woods yet, despite major strides being made towards securing electricity supply.
Since load-shedding was suspended at the end of March, the power utility saved over R 5 billion in diesel costs and encouraged continued consumer cooperation to save electricity by limiting consumption.
“I am encouraged that the engagements over the two days at the Sun International Boardwalk will result in the rejuvenation of efforts to keep the lights on and to ultimately secure new electricity generation capacity.
“We are of course very happy to be the host of the fourth edition of this important national indaba.
“We further marvel at the opportunity to be part of the think-tank responsible for discussing electricity solutions for our country.
“The leadership team at our Electricity and Energy Directorate, managed to traverse difficult times, at the height of electricity disruptions, by introducing and maintaining one of the least punitive load-shedding schedules in the country.
“We also managed to introduce load curtailment in various areas, geyser control, implement energy efficient lighting and solar powered high mast lights amongst others.
“As much as we tried to cushion our industrial zones from loadshedding by only including major businesses during stages five and upwards, it still caused major concerns due to the uncertainty and the untimely disruptions to our value chain.
“Unfortunately, our residents and businesses located in suburbs had to bear the brunt of the power outages resulting in major losses and the eventual closure of small businesses.
“We are hopeful that we turned a corner to ensure that we continue our efforts to attract investments by guaranteeing stable electricity supply, which is a major selling point to potential investors,” Mayor Van Niekerk said.
The Indaba ends today.
NMB Communications
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