CT in talks to take over Eskom infrastructure

CT in talks to take over Eskom infrastructure

Bringing all electricity infrastructure under one management unit would make for more efficiency in powering the City of Cape Town.

That’s the view of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry. On Wednesday it welcomed news that the city and Eskom were discussing the possible transfer of Eskom staff and infrastructure to the metro.

“The city would then absorb Eskom-managed clients and infrastructure into its budget,” Cape Chamber president Jacques Moolman said. About 15% of city residents receive power directly from Eskom, the rest by the city.

The city is keen to take over Eskom-owned infrastructure to better manage the grid under its care, while investing R2.3bn in additional power generation, Sunday Times reported.

A full feasibility study is not yet complete. The takeover would involve assuming responsibility for historical electricity infrastructure backlogs in multiple informal areas and thus require additional budget but its track record in servicing clients and managing infrastructure is better than Eskom’s.

The talks coincide with efforts by the city to engage the business community on possible load-shedding curtailment in key industrial areas.

“It entails private business reducing consumption by 20%, which could be achieved via renewable energy. Though logistics are under discussion, we welcome this initiative, and other efforts to reduce dependence upon Eskom,” Moolman said. —

About 15% of residents receive power directly from Eskom in Cape Town. Stock photo.123RF/avapeattie