Question NW1717 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
02 June 2023 - NW1717
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
What immediate steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to critical services such as water and sanitation pump stations, hospitals and other essential services, considering Eskom’s inability to meet the Republic’s electricity demands, the increasing frequency of loadshedding, and the possibility of a nationwide collapse of the grid; (2) whether, with many essential services currently sharing the same grid with surrounding residential areas, leading to some areas not experiencing loadshedding for months while others face additional load shedding, there is any plan in place to establish separate reticulation lines, dedicated transformers and substations for essential service providers; if not, why not; if so, (3) whether the plan is feasible; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how long is it envisaged to take to implement the plan and (b) what are the potential risks to the stability of the electricity grid associated with such reengineering. (4) what are the details of how he and Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd intend to meet the 60-day court ordered directive handed down in the High Court, Gauteng Division, Pretoria Case No: 005779/2023 on 5 May 2023?
Reply:
According to the information received from Eskom:
(1) At present, Eskom is engaging with both the Department of Health and the Department of Water and Sanitation regarding their points of supply in the Eskom supply area identified as critical. Once this has been completed, where possible, measures will be implemented to mitigate the impact of loadshedding as far as practically possible. Currently, Eskom exempts or partially exempts 25 public health establishments within its area of supply.
(2) Where a facility is deeply embedded in the network, partial exemption at lower stages of loadshedding has been granted. Eskom has concluded a preliminary assessment of establishing dedicated feeders for certain hospitals. This assessment has been shared with the Department of Health, and discussions on implementation are ongoing. A similar approach will be followed for other critical infrastructure.
(3)(a)(b) The implementation time is envisaged to take between 12 to 24 months, after the investment decision, depending on the type of solution and other factors such as environmental approvals and land acquisition. The impact on grid stability is minimal, as the System Operator will continue to balance demand and supply.
(4) The Minister has decided to file an urgent appeal to set aside the judgment. Therefore, the application by the Minister to appeal will suspend the operation and execution of a judgment of the High Court, pending the outcome of the application.
However, Eskom continues its endeavours to provide whatever relief is possible, given the design of the grid that the hospital or essential service is connected to. All of the above, is, of course, dependent on the total megawatts available from the generation system. It is the latter that is the fundamental cause of the current limitations on energy availability.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
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