Question NW401 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
01 March 2016 - NW401
Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, in the face of Eskom’s debts exceeding R350 billion, the utility will continue to be able to provide almost all of the country’s electricity requirements through the acquisition of additional coal-fired and nuclear power stations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes, Eskom will be in a position to acquire additional coal fired power station capacity.
Eskom’s current level of debt at 31 December 2015 is R333 billion. The approved borrowing program contained in the 2015/16 Corporate Plan amounts to R237 billion. Consequently it is envisaged that the Eskom debt will exceed R350 billion over the next 5 years.
The 2015/16 Corporate Plan in addition makes provision for Eskom to continue with the Medupi, Kusile and Ingula Build Program that will add in excess of 9600 megawatt of additional capacity into the electricity grid.
The future nuclear build program will be dependent on an appropriate funding model being developed by Eskom and Government.