Question NW2275 to the Minister of Electricity and Energy

Reply:

Eskom, as South Africa's primary electricity supplier, has made consistent and targeted efforts to provide efficient and accessible electricity services, particularly to previously under-serviced communities like Soweto. The premise that Eskom has failed to provide such systems does not adequately reflect the initiatives and investments made over the years, as broadly outlined hereunder.

1. Electrification Efforts

Eskom has played a pivotal role in extending access to electricity to historically underserved communities through the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP). This programme, implemented in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), has resulted in over 8.3 million households being connected to the grid since 1994, significantly improving the quality of life in townships and rural areas alike. These electrification projects have directly benefited communities such as Soweto, where thousands of households now enjoy reliable access to electricity.

2. Free Basic Electricity (FBE) Programme

Recognising the economic challenges faced by many South Africans, Eskom facilitates the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) Programme, which provides indigent households with 50 kWh of electricity per month at no cost. This allocation allows for basic household needs such as lighting, cooking, and communication devices, contributing to socioeconomic upliftment in vulnerable communities. Soweto has been one of the focal areas for this initiative, ensuring that households most in need benefit from these subsidies.

3. Infrastructure Upgrades

Eskom has made substantial investments to improve and maintain the electricity infrastructure. Initiatives include:

Transformer Replacement Programmes to address damage caused by overloading or vandalism. For example, in 2023, Eskom launched a transformer replacement initiative to restore power to areas like Tladi and Mdeni, (Soweto) which had experienced outages due to ageing infrastructure and illegal connections.

Regular maintenance and upgrades to ensure a stable supply of electricity in township areas, despite resource and funding constraints.

4. Prepaid Meter Installations

In Soweto and other townships, Eskom has installed prepaid electricity meters to improve accessibility and affordability while addressing the challenge of non-payment and illegal connections. This system empowers residents to manage their electricity usage effectively and promotes sustainable revenue collection, which is crucial for maintaining service delivery.

5. Community Engagement and Support

Eskom has engaged with communities to foster partnerships and build trust. These engagements aim to.

Assist residents in transitioning to prepaid systems.
Guide energy conservation and compliance with safety standards.
Collaborate with local leaders to address specific challenges and concerns.

6. Challenges and Eskom's Commitment

It is important to acknowledge that Eskom faces significant challenges, including.
Infrastructure vandalism and theft These activities disrupt services and increase costs.
Non-payment and illegal connections. Such practices strain resources and compromise infrastructure sustainability.

Despite these challenges, Eskom remains committed to improving service delivery. The ongoing efforts in Soweto and other townships underscore Eskom's dedication to addressing historical neglect and ensuring that electricity is accessible and afffordable to all South Africans.

In conclusion, Eskom has made significant progress in electrifying townships like Soweto, providing essential support through programmes like INEP and FBE, and addressing infrastructure challenges through targeted interventions. While there is still work to be done, the claim that Eskom has failed is not substantiated by the comprehensive efforts and results achieved thus far. Eskom continues to strive for equitable, efficient, and sustainable electricity service delivery.