Eskom has confirmed that negotiations are underway with the Botswana Power Corporation to discuss the possibility of importing electricity from Botswana.
Eskom spokesperson, Sikonathi Mantshantsha says the commercial price and quantity of the purchases are still being negotiated.
He says any deal will be concluded under strict commercial conditions, and is also subject to approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa and the Department of Energy.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced earlier this week that a number of our neighbouring countries in Southern Africa, such as Botswana and Zambia, have more electricity capacity than they require.
He said Eskom would import power from these countries through the Southern African Power Pool arrangement.
It’s part of a raft of interventions aimed at ending loadshedding. There is also a big focus on renewables, procuring surplus power from IPP’s, improving battery storage, encouraging residents to invest in solar rooftops, and importantly – fixing Eskom’s problems.
"This is a call for all South Africans to be part of the solution; to contribute in whatever way they can to ending energy scarcity in South Africa."
Address by President @CyrilRamaphosa on actions to address the electricity crisis. https://t.co/5GKpMJ0Svw#EnerygyActionPlan pic.twitter.com/HzjaR64Cnq
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 25, 2022
Ramaphosa says ending loadshedding will need a whole of society approach:
Just as we rallied behind the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, so too must we now contribute wherever we can.
As households we can use electricity sparingly.
We must pay for services and prevent illegal connections.
We must join in a massive rollout of rooftop solar and contribute to the solution.
Business needs to reduce its consumption through greater energy efficiency.
Business should seize the opportunities that have been created and invest in generation projects.
Labour should engage in a spirit of partnership, mindful that achieving energy security is the most important thing we can do to protect existing jobs and create new ones.
