Question NW2123 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
15 June 2023 - NW2123
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Notwithstanding the Republic’s high electricity connection rate compared to many other countries on the continent, what steps has the Government and/or Eskom taken to improve further access to electricity for our citizens, besides the free basic services allocation for indigent households?
Reply:
According to Information Received from Eskom:
Eskom and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) are continuing to provide electricity to communities that do not have electricity. The Eskom and DMRE Electrification Programme has progressed well in the last financial year and has exceeded its annual target achieving 102 590 connections. In addition, alternative electrification technology called microgrids is being used to electricity areas that are not easily accessible through the conventional grid such as Zwartkopdam in the Northern Cape to speed up access to electricity.
Furthermore, Eskom is undertaking the refurbishment of old infrastructure, substations, lines, and transformers including introduction of smart meters to improve and increase access to electricity for citizens.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date: