As winter approaches, Cabinet says it welcomes the finalisation of the contract for 400 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity through the standard offer programme, which will be added to the grid by the end of May 2023.

Cabinet announced on Thursday following a meeting the previous day.

“Cabinet noted the progress made in the implementation of the Energy Action Plan (EAP), while it acknowledges significant constraints that remain against the national grid,” the Cabinet statement read.

In addition, the Department of Health has identified 213 hospitals for exclusion from load shedding, with 76 of these already exempted.

According to Cabinet, work is underway to add another 46 hospitals for exclusion.

Meanwhile, the senior level of the executive branch of the government said it was pleased by the imminent launch of the energy one-stop shop on 31 May 2023 by Invest SA to speed up the regulatory processes that will assist new power-generating companies to come on board.

The executive said it also noted progress made at the Kusile Power Station to restore 3 200MW, through units 1, 2, 3 and 5, to the national grid by the end of 2023.

“Cabinet is concerned about the continued circulation of fake news, through social media alleging an imminent national grid collapse that will result in a total blackout. Eskom has assured government of plans in place for the system safeguards to prevent a national blackout.”

They reiterate calls to all people in South Africa to continue to save electricity.

The target, according to the Cabinet, is to save at least 1 000MW every day, which equals saving one stage of load shedding daily.

The team said the Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will update the country on the implementation of the EAP on Friday, 26 May 2023, through a media briefing. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency