Question NW1542 to the Minister of Energy
01 June 2018 - NW1542
Gqada, Ms T to ask the Minister of Energy
(1)What is his plan to address (a) labour unions concerns with the independent power producers (IPP) programme and (b) coal truck drivers’ concerns and alleviate job losses in the sector; (2) whether he intends to extend the bidding window for the (a) IPP programme and (b) purchase power agreement programmes; if so, what will be the scale of power in megawatts for the new bid windows?
Reply:
Labour unions raised concerns relating to IPP programme being the reason for de-commissioning of coal fired power plants. It is important to note that the de-commissioning of coal plants is not due to introduction of new power plants (such as REIPPP) but due to existing coal plants reaching end of life.
Any bidding window will be informed by the revised IRP which is expected to be considered by Cabinet by August 2018.