Question NW142 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
28 February 2023 - NW142
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
In light of the fact that the 2019 Integrated Resource Plan assumed that Eskom’s fleet Energy Availability Factor was going to be maintained at above 70% but since then the Energy Availability Factor has consistently been below 60%, making grid stability vulnerable, which is linked to the decision by Eskom not to continue with high-level maintenance of its plants in 2018, 2019 and 2020, what (a) informed the decision by Eskom to take the foot off the pedal in terms of maintaining its current fleet, (b) are the current maintenance plans and (c) impact will this lack of maintenance have in the short-to medium on Eskom’s ability to guarantee sustainable supply of electricity?
Reply:
According to the information received from Eskom
(a)
Eskom did not “take the foot off the pedal in terms of maintaining its current fleet” in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Eskom was and remains committed to executing all the required maintenance within the constraints at the time.
The well-documented shortage of capacity and funding meant that Eskom was forced to prioritise the maintenance that was executed and correctly focused on safety and statutory requirements, above performance enhancement and improvement work.
(b)
The current maintenance plans are still heavily impacted by the capacity and financial constraints and Eskom remains committed to executing the maximum possible maintenance as well as improving the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the maintenance within the many constraints which Eskom is facing.
(c)
We are already seeing the impact of many years of the inability to execute all the required maintenance, coupled with very high utilisation of an ageing fleet, along with many other factors, in the current performance of the coal fleet.
The recovery of the fleet requires three levers; additional capacity nationally, an improved EAF, which requires increased maintenance, and the addressing of various external levers, including improved liquidity, not least by delinquent municipalities paying their overdue accounts
Currently, an enhanced Generation Recovery Plan is being implemented under the guidance of the board. This plan covers three main areas of intervention:
- Plant: a systematic and strategic approach to maintenance,
- Process: a more disciplined approach to operational, procurement and related process,
- People: supplementing management and operational skills and initiating a fundamental culture change.
In addition, the excellent efforts for the law enforcement agencies, under the aegis of the National Electricity Crisis Committee, to arrest and charge those involved in corruption and sabotage, is beginning to make an impact.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
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