Questions & Replies: Energy

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2162

2162. Mr TD Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting toher makes use of private security firms; if so, in each case, (i)which firms and {ii}what is the (aa) purpose, (bb) value and (cc) duration of each specified contract? (b) any entity reporting to her makes use of private security firms; if so, in each case, (i) which firms and (i) what is the [aa) purpose, (bb) value and (cc)duration of each specified contract? NW2685E

Reply

(a) Yes the Department of Energy makes use of one private security firm at its new head office premises in 192Visagie Street in Pretoria, (i] MCC Security and Projects. (aa) KO secure the two main gates and the Guard House, bb) the contract is valued at R222 345.60 (inclusive of VAT), and (cc)the duration is for the period 23 July 2012 to 31 December2012

(b) as detailed below;

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2153

2153. Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 1595 on 18 July 2012, (a) in respect of each specified year, which traffic rule was violated and (b) what was the speed of the vehicle in the case of speeding fines incurred;

REPLY:

(2) whether the traffic fines incurred have been paid; if not, why not; if so, (a) by whom and (b) when? NW2674E

The National Road Traffic Act, No. 93 of 1996 (the Act) is clear regarding the transgression of traffic laws. Section 60 of the Act provides that certain drivers may exceed the general speed limit. These include "the driver of a fire-fighting vehicle, a rescue vehicle or an ambulance who drives such vehicle in the carrying out of his or her duties, a traffic officer who drives a vehicle in the carrying out of his or her duties or any person driving a vehicle while engaged in civil protection ..." This section applies provided that the person exempt drives the vehicle concerned with due regard to the safety of other road users. In addition, the vehicle must be fitted with a siren and the siren and/or identification lamps shall be in operation while speeding.

Ministers are driven by members of the special protection unit (SPU) while these members are engaged in their duties of civil protection, As a result, while on duty the members of the special protection unit are protected by the legislative dispensation as outlined in s.60 of the Act. Therefore, if a Minister's vehicle gets a speeding fine whilst being driven by a person conducting his/her civil protection duties and after such a person has complied with the legislative requirements of exercising safety and using a siren, such a fine will be set aside.

If in the conduct of their duties, it is found that a person engaged in civil protection exceeds the speed limit without due course, such actions must be reported and shall be investigated.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2117
2117. Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether PetroSA has a mandate to import crude oil; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details:

(2) whether PetroSA imported any crude oil in the past three financial years for which information is available; If not, why not; If so, in each financial year, (a) how many barrels, (b) from where was it imported, (c) for which purpose, (d) at what cost and (e) at which facilities was the crude oil stored?
NW2636E
Reply

(I)Yes. This has always been part of their mandate from inception
(2) No. They did not as there was no reason for them to do so.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2116
2116. Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) How much does PetroSA charge for the storage of crude oil per barrel;

(2) whether the price charged per barrel are in line with international average prices per barrel; if not, why not; if so, how was this conclusion reached;

(3)(a) which crude oil storage facilities are managed by PetroSA and (b) what are their holding capacities;

(4) how much crude oil has been stored at PetroSA storage facilities (a) in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2012? NW2635E

Reply

(1) PetroSA does not own oil storage facilities.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable,
(4) Not applicable.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION 2110

2110. Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

( 1 Whether a public tender has been issued for he management of the Saldanha oil storage facility; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any of the crude oil storage reservoirs at the Saldanha facility are being leased to any third patties; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (a) to which company, (b) at what cost and (c) for what lease period? NW2629E

Reply

(I)There is no reason for Issuing a public tender for the management of the Saldanha Oil Storage Facility. This facility is managed by SFF, which is a subsidiary of CEF (SOC) Ltd.

(2) Yes. Crude oil storage tanks at Saldanha are leased to third parties if not used by SFF. (a) The nature of contractual engagements that SFF undertakes with entities that rent storage space in Saldanha does not permit SFF to divulge Information relating to these contractual engagements without the permission of the contracting entity or due legal process having been followed, specifically, PAIA.

(b) Revealing this cost would compromise SFF's commercial negotiations for storage tariffs.

(c) The periods vary per contract.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2095
Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

1) What is the percentage aggregate for each municipal active energy charge (a) above and (b) below the Eskom mega-flex rate on (i) 11 kW, (ii) 22 kW, (iii) 33 kW, (iv) 44 kW and (v) 66 kW per 300 km for the 2011-2012 financial year;

2) What is the percentage aggregate for each municipality energy demand-side charge (a) above and (b) below the Eskom mega-flex rate? NW2575E

Reply

1) Comparison with the Eskom Megaflex tariff (Transmission Zone >300and S 500km, < 500V) to 20 municipalities for the 201 1/12 and 2012113 financial years, yields the following:

Active energy charges:

a) For the high demand peak energy charges, the difference between the municipal rates and Eskom rates range from .69% (i.e. below the Megaflex rates) to 63%.

b) For the low demand peak energy charges, the difference between the municipal rates and Eskom rates range from -19% (i.e, below the Megaflex rates) to 170%.

2) Demand side charges:
a) With regards to the demand charges, this ranges from -8% (i.e. below b e Eskom rates) to 422%,

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 2044
2044. Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) (a) How many power stations are in South Africa, (b) what are their names, (c) where are they located, (d) what are the outputs and (e) how many turbines are operational at each power station;

(2) with reference to each power station, (a) how many times were turbines tripped (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012 and (b) what was the total amount of kilowatt hours lost? NW2523E

Reply:

The Department of Energy received the question, reviewed its content against its mandate and has determined that the most appropriate respondent should be the Department of Public Enterprises.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 1960

1960. Mr M Mnqasela (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether any entity reporting to her has budgeted for (a) financial donations or (b) sponsorships in the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 and (iv) 2012-13 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, what amount was (aa) budgeted and (bb) spent? NW2349

Pelchem Group

NTP Group

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 1945

1945. Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(a) How will PetroSA fund its new gas venture Project Ikhwezi, (b) what will be the total investment into this venture upon completion and (c) how many direct jobs will be created by this venture? NW2334E

Reply:

(a) From PetroSA's balance.

(b) The current budgeted figure is R10 billion.

(c) The project will create temporary jobs during construction and drilling. The project is intended to provide feedstock which will prolong the life of the GTL refinery, and maintain existing jobs at the GTL refinery. This will also assist to enhance economic activity in Mossel Bay.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 1942
Mr J F Smalle (BA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether PetroSA was involved in any exploration prospecting activities (a) during the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, (aa) when and (bb) for what resources and (cc) what was the (aaa) total financial cost and (bbb) outcome of each exploration prospecting activity;

(2) Whether PetroSA conducted any of these exploration prospecting activities in partnership with another party; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2331E

Reply:

(1) Yes for all the years indicated in the question, PetroSA was involved in a number of exploration activities. The details for each Financial year appear in the Table below,

Expenditure on exploration and appraisal activities for the periods requested in ZAR (millions).

(bbb) The outcome for each exploration effort cannot be disclosed as this is commercially sensitive information and PetroSA is competing in the Petroleum Sector with other players.

(2) In some instance PetroSA was conducting this activity on its own and in others if had partners.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 1904

Mr J F Smalle (BA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether PetroSA was involved in any exploration prospecting activities (a) during the (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, (aa) when and (bb) for what resources and (cc) what was the (aaa) total financial cost and (bbb) outcome of each exploration prospecting activity;


(2) Whether PetroSA conducted any of these exploration prospecting activities in partnership with another party; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2331E


Reply:

(If Yes for all the years indicated in the question, PetroSA was involved in a number of exploration activities. The details for each Financial year appear in the Table below,

Expenditure on exploration and appraisal activities for the periods requested in ZAR (millions).

(bbb) The outcome for each exploration effort cannot be disclosed as this is commercially sensitive information and PetroSA is competing in the Petroleum Sector with other players.


(2) In some instance PetroSA was conducting this activity on its own and in others if had partners.

Reply received: October 2012

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION 1887:

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) How many employees did Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) Holdings employ at the stage when

the company was disbanded;

(2) whether any personnel employed by EDI Holdings were offered (a) retrenchment packages, or (b) transfers to (i) her department, or (ii) any of its entities;, if not, what assistance was provided to employees if so, in each case, how many (aa) received retrenchment packages, and (bb) were transferred;

(3) Whether the books of EDI Holdings have been closed, if not, why not; if so, how does the balance sheet reflect (a) at the time of disbandment

Reply:

(1) 96 employees were employed by Electricity Industry Distribution Industry (EDI) Holdings at the stage when the company was disbanded;

(2) (a) No personnel employed by EDI Holdings were offered retrenchment packages nor (b)transfers to (i)her department; nor (ii) any of its entities; EDI Holdings employees were given preference/shortlisted for vacancies within the Department of Energy where they indicated interest and had appropriate qualification. A total number of 15 employees were employed, however not every one of them are still with the department, (aa) no employees received retrenchment packages and (bb) no employees from EDI Holdings were transferred those that were employed were employed via normal selection process.

(3) No, the books of EDI Holdings have not been closed due to litigation matters from consultants who are claiming for damages for loss of income, settlements of other debts and former employees also registered an unfair dismissal claim with the CCMA and the Labour Court. The Labour Court proceedings are still on (a) at the time of the disbandment the total amount of assts was R466,3 million.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 1829

1829. Mr J F Smalle (DA)to ask the Minister of Energy:

(I) Whether her department has developed a comprehensive business plan with regard to South Africa's bitumen requirements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether the Government has the infrastructure for the (a) storage and (b) transportation of bitumen; if not, how will her department deal with this issue; if so, (i) which pipelines are bitumen compatible and (ii) where are the bitumen storage facilities Iocated;

(3) whether the Government has the infrastructure to increase bitumen production; if not, how will her department deal with this issue; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether the Government imports bitumen; if not, why not; if so, (a) from where and (b) at what cost;

(5)whether the sufficient supply chain management of bitumen are in place to complement the National infrastructure Build Programme; if not, how will her department deal with this issue; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2221E

Reply

The Department of Energy received the question, reviewed its content against its mandate and has determined that the most appropriate respondents should be the Department of Transport and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 1828

1828. Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) (a) How many crude oil reservoir tanks are at (i) Milnerton, (ii) Saldanha and (iii) the Port of Durban, (b) what are their capacities and (c) who currently manages these facilities;

(2) Whether the reservoir tanks at these facilities are currently being utilised; if not, why not; if so, at each facility (i) by whom and (ii) how much crude oil is currently stored;

(3) whether the blending of crude oil takes place at these facilities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply

(1) (a) (i) There are 39 tanks in Milnerton.

(ii) There are six tanks in Saldanha

(iii) There are crude oil reservoir tanks in Port of Durban other than tanks used for operational purposes by oil companies.

(b) (i) Each tank has a total storage capacity of 200 000 barrels.

(ii) Each tank has a total storage capacity of 7.1 million m³.

(iii) As at 1 (a) (iii)

(c) The facilities in Milnerton and Saldanha are managed by the government agency, Strategic Fuel Fund.

(2) (i) The tanks in Milnerton are not utilised at the present moment.

The tanks in Saldanha are used by Chevron. The Strategic Fuel Fund and others are leased to various international companies and PetroSA.

Refer to 1 (a) (iii)

(ii) The levels of crude oil vary depending on the activities of Chevron and the other companies.

(3) Milnerton: There has been no need to blend.

Saldanha: Blending takes place depending on the needs of the various users of the tanks

Port of Durban: Not applicable as indicated at 1 (a) (iii).

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 1827

1827. Mr J F Smalie (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(I) Whether any members of the executive management of the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) have tendered their resignations since 1 April 2012; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, (a) who resigned and (b) what were (i) their titles and (ii) the reasons for the resignations;

(2) whether her department intends implementing any measures to minimise the impact these resignations might have on the integrity of the SFF; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether her department has started the process of filling the vacancies lefl by these resignations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2219E

Reply

(I) Yes.

(a) The following managers resigned from 31s' March 2012; Mr. Arthur Martin and Mr. Piet Coetzee.

(b) (i) Mr. Martin was the Rental Manager and Mr. Coetzee was the Acting General Manager ( GM) commercial.(ii) To pursue other personal interests.

(2) Yes, as an interim measure a person was seconded from PetroSA to manage the portfolio before appointments were made.

(3) Yes SFF has filled the vacancies. The General Manager Commercial position has been filled. In addition, a commercial logistics coordinator has been appointed.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 1807

1807. Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(I) Whether highly enriched uranium (HEU) is currently being stored at Pelindaba; if not, why not; if so, (a) how much and (b) what is it being used for;

(2) whether Pelindaba obtained authorisation from the National Nuclear Regulator to store highly enriched uranium (HEU) on site; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2199E

Reply:

Details regarding the uranium stockpiles is classified and therefore cannot be disclosed publicly.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 1802

1802 , Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether the SA Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) made any payments to a certain company (name furnished) (a) in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) 2011-12 and (b) since 1 April 2012; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, (aa) how much was paid and (bb)(aaa) when and (bbb) why was each payment made? NW2193E

Answer

Details of transactions between Necsa and particular companies are commercially sensitive and can therefore not be disclosed publically.

Reply received: August 2012

QUESTION 1776

1776. Mrs PC Duncan (DA)

1) Whether (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her make payment to (i) suppliers and (ii) service providers within the 30 day period as specified by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999; if not in each case, (aa) how many service providers are awaiting payment, (bb) what is the monetary value of outstanding payments ad (cc) how is payment overdue.

2) Whether (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her are liable for any interest charged on overdue payments in any of the cases mentioned; if not, what is the position in this regard: if so, in each case, what is the (i)p percentage and (ii) monetary value of interest charged; 3) Whether (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her have negotiated revised payment schedules with each of the service providers mentioned; if not, why not; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details;

4) What are the reasons for (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her not making payment within 30days as specified by the PFMA;

5) Whether (a) her department and (b) all entities reporting to her have Implemented any measures to (i) ensure full compliance with the PFMA and (ii) facilitate immediate payment for overdue accounts; If not, why not; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details?

Response

1(a) (i) Suppliers

(ii) Service Providers

1 (b)

2 (a) No interest was charged or paid on the late payments.

(b)

3 (a) No revised payment schedules were negotiated as this was not necessary both in terms of the timing of the payments and the amounts paid.

(b)

4 (a) The majority of the late payments occurred at the beginning of the financial year , and this was due to the close of the financial systems for year end.

(b)

5 (a) (i) A memo has been sent out to all Departmental staff reminding them of the requirement to effect within 30 days as per NT instruction Note 34. (ii)A manual tracking and expediting system is currently in operation.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION 1754
Mrs N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

1) Whether any municipalities have applied to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) in the (a) 2009 -10; (b) 2010 - 11 and (c) 2011 - 12 financial years to be allowed to charge more than the stipulated 11,03% municipal surcharge for electricity purchased from Eskom, if not, what is the position in this regard, if so, (i) which municipalities and (ii) what are the relevant details of the applications in each specified case;

2) Whether Nersa has penalised any municipality for not conforming to the conditions under which a higher surcharge than 11,03% was applied, if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details? NW2145E

Reply

1) The 11.03% is a guideline increase that NERSA provides to the municipalities for the year 2012-13, it is not a surcharge as defined in the Municipal Finance Management Act. The guideline increase for the financial year 2010-11 was 20.38%.

There was no guideline increase issued by NERSA in 2009-10 because the Interim application by Eskom was only submitted in June 2009 and municipalities applied for the implementation of the 34% that Eskom had applied for.

i) Table 1 shows the implementation of the guideline increases for the financial years 2011/12 and 2012/13.

Table 1: Number of municipalities that applied for guidelines increases, above guidelines increases, late applications and those that did not apply for the financial years 2011-12 and 2012-13

See attachment: List of Municipalities that applied

Reply received: July 2012

Question 1702

Mr. J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

What is the total storage capacity of PetroSA for storing (a) crude, (b) diesel and (c) petroleum? NW2056E

Reply

The total capacity to store crude oil and petroleum products at PetroSA is as follows:

(a) Crude: 7.5 million barrels

(b) Diesel: 61,800 m³

(c) Petrol : 62,400 m³

Reply received: July 2012

Question: 1672

1672. Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether she has identified a strategy to align the oil and gas facilities at Milnerton, Saldanha and the Port of Durban into an integrated system complementing each facility in respect of (a) importation, (b) exportation, (c) storage, (d) refining and (e) distribution of liquid fuel products; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1963E

Reply:

The Department of Energy is currently developing the 20 Year Liquid Fuels Infrastructure Road Map, which will enable the Department to devise a strategy that will ensure security of supply, identify bottlenecks within the liquid fuels value chain and address challenges related to infrastructure.

Reply received: July 2012

Question: 1671

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether she has found that any of the oil and gas facilities at (a) Milnerton, (b) Saldanha and (c) the Port of Durban (i) are in need of upgrades and (ii) have been earmarked for expansion; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW1962E

Reply:

(a) For the facilities owned by the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) at Milnerton, SFF is constantly reviewing the possibilities of better utilizing the storage tanks. These are contained in the CEF Corporate Plans.

(b) At Saldanha, there are plans to:

(i) upgrade the management of the facilities;

(ii) There are no plans for expansion at this stage.

(c) At the port of Durban, the need to:

(i) Upgrade; and/or

(ii) Expand will be informed by the 20 year Liquid Fuels Infrastructure Road Map currently being developed.

Reply received: July 2012

Question 1666

Mr L W Greyling (ID) to ask the Minister of Energy

Whether the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) conducted any investigation into the accident at the Duvha Power Station last year; if not, why not; if so, when will the report be tabled in the National Assembly

Reply

The Department of Energy received the question, reviewed its content against its mandate and has determined that the most appropriate respondent should be the Department of Public Enterprises.

Reply received: July 2012

Question 1635

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) How many (a) berths and (b) pipelines service the oil and gas facilities at (i) Milnerton, (ii) Saldanha and (iii) the Port of Durban and (c) what is the capacity in each case;

(2) whether the (a) berths and (b) pipelines servicing the facilities at (i) Milnerton and (ii) Saldanha are fully operational; if not, why not; if so,

(3) whether the (a) berths and (b) pipelines servicing the facilities at (i) Milnerton and (ii) Saldanha are compatible to (aa) import and (bb) export liquid fuel; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether she has considered to upgrade the infrastructure at the Port of Durban to make it compatible to (a) import and (b) export liquid fuel; if not, how was the conclusion reached; if so,

(5) whether such an upgrade would increase the commercial viability of the Port of Durban with regard to the oil and gas industry; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1961E

Reply:

(1) Milnerton: (a) One berth for crude oil (b) One oil pipeline (c) 450 tons per annum

Saldanha: (a) One berth (b) One oil pipeline (c) 25 million tons per annum

Port of Durban: (a) Eight berths (b) Two pipelines from the Single Buoy Mooring (c) 5,000 tons per hour

(2) Milnerton: Fully operational

Saldanha: Fully operational

Port of Durban: Currently berth 2 and 5 are being upgraded and therefore out of commission.

Berth 1, 4,6,7,8 and 9 are fully operational.

(3) Berths in Milnerton, Saldanha and Port of Durban are all used for both imports and exports of liquid fuels.

(4) As stated above, Berths 2 and 5 are being upgraded by Transnet.

(5) The upgrade will increase the commercial viability of the Port of Durban.

Reply received: July 2012

Question: 1619

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether she intends to introduce the (a) Petroleum Products Second Amendment Bill, (b) Gas Amendment Bill, (c) Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill and (d) National Energy Regulator Amendment Bill as announced in her budget speech on 26 May 2011; if not, why not, in each case; if so, when, in each case? NW1848E

Reply

Yes

(a) The Petroleum Products Amendment Bill will be introduced during the fourth quarter of the 2012/13 financial year.

(b) The Gas Amendment Bill will be introduced during the third quarter of the 2012/13 financial year.

(c) The Electricity Regulation Second Amendment Bill will be introduced during the third quarter of the 2012/13.

(d) The Electricity Regulation Second Amendment Bill and the National Energy Regulator Amendment Bill the third quarter of the 2012/13.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 1618

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether her department has finalised the Petroleum and Liquid Fuels Charter Audit that she announced in November 2010; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) what were the findings and (c) where was it published? NW1847E

Reply:

Please refer to the response to Question 1413

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 1595

Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether any traffic fines were incurred with regard to any of her official vehicles in the (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) 2011-12 financial years; if so, what (i) amount in fines was incurred in respect of each specified vehicle in each specified financial year and (ii) are the further relevant details in each case? NW1924E

Reply

The Minister is driven to and from official engagements by the South African Police Services' VIP Protection Unit and the following traffic fines were incurred by the unit's members in the execution on duty:

Reply received: June 2012

Question1506

Mr G S Radebe (ANC) to ask the Minister of Energy:

What are the relevant details of her department's plan to promote co-generation of electricity? NW1781E

Reply

In March 2012, the Department issued a request for information (RFI) on potential developers of Co-Generation, Coal, Natural Gas and Imported Hydro, in order to ascertain what is available in the South African market. The Department is currently busy with a process of initiating a procurement process to procure co-generators in line with the medium term risk mitigation plan, as stipulated in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2010).

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 1505

Mrs N F Mathibela (ANC) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Which areas of focus has her department identified for inclusion in the programmes of the Revised Strategic Plan 2012-2015? NW1780E

Reply: The Department of Energy did not change their main areas of focus in the programmes of the Revised Strategic Plan 2011/12-2015/6. The 2011/12-2015/6 Strategic Plan was revised in terms of –

· Further adaptation to Government's Outcomes Based Approach;

· Improved compliance with the requirements of the Framework for Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plans;

· Illustrating the alignment of the Strategic Outcome Oriented Goals with the Delivery Agreements signed by the Minister;

· Listing the existing Strategic Objectives/Outputs that were not provided for in the original Strategic Plan; and

· Improving the Objective Statements to be more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).

The Revised Strategic Plan, therefore, still focuses on the following main areas of focus:

· Efficient and diverse energy mix for universal access within a transformed energy sector.

· Energy supply is secure and demand is well managed.

· Improved energy regulation and competition.

· An efficient, competitive and responsive energy infrastructure network.

· Environmental assets and natural resources protected and continually enhanced by cleaner energy technologies.

· Mitigation against, and adaptation to, the impacts of climate change.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1502

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether South Africa holds a strategic crude oil stock; if not, why not; if so, (a) how much and (b) where is it stored;

(2) whether the strategic crude oil stock is blended crude for domestic consumption; if not, why not? NW1693E

Reply:

(1) South Africa does hold strategic crude oil stocks; (a) of plus minus 11million barrels (b) at a secure crude oil storage facility;

(2) The strategic crude oil stocks are of a blend / grade that would be usable for domestic consumption.

Reply received: June 2012

Question 1501

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether her department has developed a comprehensive business plan in respect of South Africa's liquid petroleum gas (LPG) requirements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether her department has identified measures to ensure a safe and affordable supply of LPG; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1692E

Reply:

(1) The Department of Energy is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive LPG Expansion Strategy which seeks to provide a framework for the expansion of the use of LPG in South Africa with a special emphasis on the household sector. This Strategy will highlight strategic options that could be adopted for the orderly development of the LPG industry in South Africa to make LPG an energy carrier of choice for thermal applications;

(2) With regard to the safety aspects of LPG, there are already legislative measures in place that regulate the safe handling of LPG through the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 58 of 1993) (OHSA). This Act, which is administered by the Department of Labour, provides for the promulgation of various regulations to ensure safe handling and storage of LPG. Furthermore, the Department of Energy has collaborated with the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA), the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGSASA) and associations of fuel retailers in embarking on an awareness campaign to request LPG users to fill up their cylinders well on time before the winter season. The campaign includes the safe use and handling of LPG.

With regard to the pricing of LPG, the Department of Energy commenced with the regulation of the maximum retail price of LPG supplied to households in July 2010. The Department of Energy is currently reviewing the Maximum Refinery Gate Price of LPG and the Working Rules for appropriate pricing of LPG, noting that increased consumption of LPG would only be met through imports.

Lastly, the Department is working together with Transnet to facilitate investments in the LPG import facilities in the medium- to long-term.

Reply received: June 2012

Question 1493

Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether any new carbon sinks are being created parallel with the building of the Kusile and Medupi coal-fired power stations to help offset their future carbon emissions in order that South Africa meets its carbon emission commitments in terms of the Kyoto Protocol and other international agreements; if not, why not; if so, (a) in which localities, (b) by whom, (c) of what type and (d) at what cost? NW1772E

Reply

Eskom itself has not created new carbon sinks parallel with the building of Kusile and Medupi coal fired power stations. Parallel to Eskom, Independent Power Producers (IPP) are responsible for introducing about 2400MW of renewable energy generators into the grid. It does not view emissions reductions on a project by project basis, but does so holistically for the whole organisation. There is a comprehensive strategy in place, outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan, to reduce relative emissions in the short to medium term and reduce absolute emissions in the long term (which goes beyond offsetting). The table below provides details on the short to medium term strategy.

(a), (b), (c), and (d)

Reply received: June 2012

Question 1461

Mr D J Stubbe (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) When was the current Director-General of her department appointed?

(2) Whether the Director-General was appointed in (a) a permanent or (b) an acting capacity? NW1738E

REPLY: (1) The current Director-General, Ms N Magubane is appointed on a 5 year contract as from

1^st December 2009

(2) She is appointed (a) on a permanent basis with effect from 1 December 2009 (b) she was

appointed in an acting capacity from 22 July 2009 until 30 November 2009.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1413

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether her department has reviewed the Liquid Fuels Charter that expired in 2010; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) when will it be tabled? NW1610E

Reply:

No the review of the liquid fuel Charter has not been done yet, however the department commissioned an audit of compliance by Oil Companies with the Liquid Fuels Charter. The audit report was tabled on 25 April 2012 to Cabinet. The audit outcomes are the precursor to the baseline information required for the charter review process.

The scope of audit amongst others entailed;

· A comprehensive Audit on the level of compliance with the Petroleum and Liquid Fuels industry.

· Proposed recommendations to the department regarding short, medium and long term goals for the Petroleum and liquid fuels industry in meeting the objectives, and addressing challenges, of the Charter.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 1412

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether any petroleum products on the pipeline from Durban to Pietermaritzburg were lost from the (a) new and (b)old pipeline in the 2011-12 financial year: if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, (i) what are the reasons and (ii) how much fuel was lost? NW1609E

Reply:

According to the operator of balk the new and old pipelines, within Transnet Pipelines, there were no petroleum products that were lost between Durban and Pietermaritzburg from (a) the New Multi Product Pipeline (NMPP) and (b) tile old pipeline [the Durban-to Johannesburg Pipeline (DJP)] during the 2011/12 financial year.

Reply received: June 2012

Question 1411

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) How many turbines are there at the Matla Power Station in Mpumalanga;

(2) whether any of the turbines are tripped from time to time; if not, why not; if so, (a)(i) how often and (ii) why are they tripped and (b) what are the (i) policies and (ii) processes regulating the tripping of turbines? NW1608E

Reply

1) Matla Power Station has six (6) units with one main turbine per unit.

2) (a) (i) During the 2011/12 financial year, Matla experienced 29 unit trips while connected to the grid. Of the 29 unit trips, 9 were initiated by the turbine protection system.

(ii) Trips may be initiated from the boiler or the turbine and occur either automatically or by manual intervention. Turbines are tripped via plant protection systems or by the operator to ensure people safety and prevent plant damage.

2) (b)(i) and (ii)

The tripping of turbines is governed by a turbine protection standard which is based on the original equipment manufacturer's recommendations and international best practices. The standard provides the minimum requirements for protections to trip turbines during operation to ensure people and plant safety. These protections are tested on a predetermined frequency to ensure that systems are fully operational.

Reply received: June 2012

Question 1409

Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether her department intends to take any steps to separate the functions and responsibilities of electricity (a) generation and (b) distribution so that they do not reside in one entity; if not, why not; if so, (i) what steps, (ii) when and (iii) how will the process of separation be undertaken? NW1595E

Reply

(a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii)

Yes, the Energy White Paper provides a framework for the restructuring of the electricity sector. It clearly indicates that there must be separation between transmission, distribution and electricity generation. The department intends to implement the objectives of the white paper in a phased-in manner. The establishment of Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) is the start of a process that will pave the way for the restructuring of the electricity sector. However, it is important that such restructuring takes into account the risks thereof, especially in an environment where security of supply might be compromised. Accordingly, the phased approach to restructuring has been adopted.

Reply received: June 2012

Question 1378

Mrs N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

1) Whether adequate stock levels of electricity meters are kept countrywide; if not, why not; if so, what are the current stock levels in each province;

2) What is the average (a) life span of an electricity meter and (b) processing time for an application to have a new electricity meter installed? NW1627E

Reply

The Department of Energy received the question, reviewed its contents against its mandate and has determined that that most appropriate respondent should be the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Reply received: June 2012

Question: 1369

Mr M Swart (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) What is the estimated remaining lifespan of gas reserves in the Bredasdorp basin;

(2) whether additional exploration is being undertaken to augment the current reserves; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1617E

Reply:

(1) The remaining lifespan of gas reserves in the Bredasdorp basin is 8 years, the reserves are available until 2020.

Further exploration is being pursued aggressively in the Bredasdorp basin. Following processing and interpretation of the data obtained during the seismic survey, well drilling will be progressed within the next five years.

Reply received: June 2012

Question 1361

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 630 on 10 April 2012, she intends commissioning a study to determine the amounts that municipalities actually spend on maintaining grid systems; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1605E

Reply

The study has been done already by National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1353

Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether her department has been (a) reducing the importation of refined petrol, diesel and other liquid fuels and (b) increasing the local production thereof in the period 1 May 2009 to 1 May 2012; if not, (i) what was the level of importation on a monthly basis and (ii) at what cost; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) to what extent has South Africa been able to reduce its dependence on foreign refineries for its liquid fuels requirement? NW1596E

Reply (1)

(a) The Department of Energy does not import refined petroleum products. The importation of products is done by individual oil companies with the approval of the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) at the recommendation of the Department of Energy.

(b) The South African refineries are currently operating at 80%-90% of their capacity. However even if they were operating at optimal levels, they will still not be able to meet local demand for petroleum demand, which has exceeded domestic supply.

(i) and (ii) Only annual data could be furnished and is as indicated in the table below:

Reply (2)

As can be seen in the above table, the importation or petroleum products to South Africa are increasing annually. The country is a net importer and therefore relies on foreign refineries to meet local demand. The development of the Mthombo Project, PetroSA's new oil refinery initiative, is aimed, among other things, to reduce reliance on foreign refineries to meet local demand.

Reply received: June 2012

Question 1343

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether her department has (a) consulted or (b) employed specialists in the liquid fuels industry with regard to the demands in the (i) supply, (ii) storage, (iii) production, (iv) distribution, (v) security and (vi) infrastructure upgrades and development; if not, how is her department dealing with these issues; if so; in each case, (aa) who was consulted/appointed, (bb) what are their (aaa) credentials, (bbb) expected deliverables, (ccc) positions and (ddd) salaries or fees;

(2) Whether the department has contracted the services of specialist consultancy firms within the liquid fuels industry; if not, why not; if so,

(3) Whether an open tender process was followed; if not, how were they (a) sourced and (b) contracted; if so, (i) (aa) when and (bb) where was the invitation to tender published, (ii) (aa) who were the shortlisted companies and (bb) what was the monetary bidding value in each case and (iii) what is the current monetary value of each contract? NW1493E

REPLY

A. From a conventional liquid fuels perspective:

(1) The Department has neither consulted nor employed specialists in the liquid fuels industry with regard to the demands in the areas mentioned above; however, it contracted the services of a consulting company within the liquid fuels industry to develop a 20 Year Liquid Fuels Infrastructure Roadmap which will cover all areas of concern mentioned above; i.e. from (i) to (vi);

Institute for Petroleum Strategy and Research (IPSR)

(aaa) Credentials: IPSR is an autonomous non-government research institute, which has been in existence since 1995. The project team members have extensive and detailed knowledge of the oil industry, in particular international experience in refining and supply of liquid fuels. The team comprises of refiners, economists, logistics and supply experts, modelling experts, data experts and chartered Accountant. Furthermore, they are familiar with all relevant legislation and policies and have written extensively on the subject of security of supply in South Africa.

(bbb) Expected deliverable: A 20-year liquid fuels infrastructure roadmap / plan (including the refinery audit report).

(ccc) The companies were awarded the contract and determined the salaries within their internal frameworks that are not known to the Department.

(ddd) The company, Institute for Petroleum Strategy and Research (IPSR), was awarded a tender at R4, 559,256.00.

Dynamic Energy Consulting

(aaa) Credentials: The project leader, Mr. Dayal Raksha, worked as a senior refinery economist, project leader manufacturing, optimization specialist in logistics and design engineer at Engen Refinery. He also participated in the Department of Energy's Energy Security Masterplan (ESMP) and contributed to other policy discussion for a.

(bbb) Expected deliverable: A model to determine the bio-ethanol blending value

(ccc) The companies were awarded the contract and determined the salaries within their internal frameworks that are not known to the Department.

(ddd) The company, Dynamic Energy Consulting, was awarded a tender at R2,500,000.00.

INFINERGY (Mr. Brain Tait)

(aaa) Credentials: The project leader worked as a business development Manager involved in chemicals, fuel and renewable energy (including bio-fuels and biomass) projects at SASOL for 14 years. He also has experience in low carbon energy initiatives and trading.

(bbb) Expected deliverable: The break-even price for bio-ethanol and bio-diesel manufacturing

(ccc) The companies were awarded the contract and determined the salaries within their internal frameworks that are not known to the Department.

(ddd) The company, Infinergy, was awarded a tender at R540,000.00.

(2) As mentioned in (1) above, the Department contracted the services of a consulting company, called the Institute for Petroleum Strategy and Research (IPSR), to develop a 20 Year Liquid Fuels Infrastructure Roadmap; and

(3) (i) An open tender process was followed and the tender was published in the State Tender Bulletin on 15 October 2010.

(ii) The shortlisted entities are as shown below:

· SJS Energy;

· Pricewaterhouse Coopers;

· Electronic Trading Projects;

· Saha International, KPMG;

· PFC Energy;

· Institute for Petroleum Strategy and Research; and

· The range was between R4,9m and R36,6m.

(iii) The current monetary value of the awarded contract is R4,5m.

B. From a conventional liquid fuels perspective:

(1) The Department has neither consulted nor employed specialists in the liquid fuels industry with regard to the demands in the areas mentioned above in respect of bio-fuels. However, it has contracted the services of consulting companies to deal with bio-fuels specific projects that are relevant to the highlighted areas of concern.

(2) INFINERGY and Dynamic Energy Consulting companies were contracted to conclude investigations into the break-even (manufacturing) prices of bio-diesel and bio-ethanol and to determine the blending value of bio-ethanol when blended with petrol, respectively;

(3) (i) An open tender process was followed and the tender was published in the State Tender Bulletin in November 2010.

(ii) The shortlisted entities are as shown below:

· R and T Mukwevho Accounts;

· Electrinic Trading Projects;

· Infinergy;

· Hym Management; and

· One Source Holding.

· The range was between R 540,000 and R3.9m.

(iii) The current monetary value of the awarded contract is R540, 000.00.

For the determination of the bio-ethanol blending value:

The shortlisted entities are as shown below:

· Dynamic Energy Consulting;

· Lurgi (Pty) Ltd; and

· Electronic Trading Projects.

(iii) The current monetary value of the awarded contract is R2, 500,000.00 and it was awarded to Dynamic Energy Consulting.

Reply received: June 2012

Question: 1272

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether any concessions have been awarded for rolling out solar heating systems; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the names of the concessionaires, (b) what is the duration of the maintenance contracts and (c) which areas will be serviced;

(2) whether any of the concessionaires have failed in delivering on their agreements; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, which concessionaires;

(3) whether her department has taken any steps against concessionaires failing to deliver on their agreements; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) what (a) reporting mechanisms are being used to manage maintenance and (b) is the cost per unit paid by local authorities from the electricity grant? NW1471

Reply

1) Yes, the department has entered into 4 concessions with the following and KfW .

a) Nuon RAPS Utility (Pty) Ltd t/a NuRa;

K E S (Pty) LTD – Kwazulu Energy services ( though the KfW programme); and

Solar Vision Pty, Ltd.

b) Capital funding for 1 year and 20 years for operational maintenance, which is the lifespan of the installed system.

c) The Provinces serviced are Limpopo, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal

2) No, Ilitha was initially awarded the tender but due to failure to obtain the 20% portion of funding for the project, the department was not able to continue with the agreement.

3) None of the concessionaires failed to deliver on their agreement.

4) a) The agreement between the concessionaire and the department specify that quarterly reports are to be submitted to the department on the overall project, including the maintenance carried out on the installed system.

b) The municipality pays a free basic electricity portion to the concessionaire, which is different for each municipality.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 1249

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether PetroSA has purchased any diesel for Eskom from India in the 2011-12 financial year; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date, (b) at what cost, (c) what volume and (d) for what purpose;

(2) (a) when did the tanker transporting the diesel arrive in South African territorial waters and (b)(i) when and (ii) at what port was the diesel discharged;

(3) what were the costs of (a) transportation, (b) discharge, (c) custom duties, (d) berthing fees and (e) storage of the diesel? NW1379E

Reply

The information required is commercially sensitive

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1229

Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

What amount has her department spent on (a) catering and (b) entertainment (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012? NW1426E

Reply:

The Department of Energy became effective on 1 April 2010, and figures can thus only be provided for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 financial years, and for April 2012.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 1226

Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

What amount has her department spent on (a) catering and (b) entertainment (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2012? NW1426E

Reply:

The Department of Energy became effective on 1 April 2010, and figures can thus only be provided for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 financial years, and for April 2012.

Reply received: May 2012

Question 1183

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether Mossgas has submitted its planned shutdown schedule for its refineries for the (a) 2012-13 and (b) future financial years; if not, why not; if so, what are the scheduled shutdowns;

(2) whether her department has identified measures to address possible shortages of (a) liquid petroleum gas and (b) fuel after the planned shutdowns; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?? NW1378E

Reply 1:

1. There is currently no oil company called Mossgas that is operating in the South African petroleum sector. PetroSA, which is our national oil company, was formed in July 2000 out of a merger of the business of Mossgas and Soekor to effectively develop and exploit the crude oil and gaseous hydrocarbon resources of South Africa. It operates one refinery in Mossel Bay.

(a) According to the current shutdown schedule, PetroSA does not have any planned shutdown for the 2012/13 financial year.

(b) Based on the information provided by PetroSA, it will have an eight-day total shutdown in April 2013, which means that there will be no production during this period. In October 2013, PetroSA will also have a total shutdown of 29 days for maintenance purposes.

2. (a) South Africa is confronted by the fact that it does not have sufficient domestic production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) due to increased demand. Hence, solutions must emanate from both the supply side and demand side management of LPG. On the demand management, the Department of Energy has collaborated with the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA), the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Southern Africa (LPGASASA) and associations of fuel retailers in embarking on an awareness campaign to request LPG users to fill up their cylinders well on time before the winter season. The campaign also includes the safe use and handling of LPG. On the supply management side, the LPG suppliers have assured the Department that they will be importing LPG and the relevant import documents have been approved by International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) at the recommendation of the Department of Energy. In this regard, the Department is monitoring the arrival schedule of the LPG.

(b) As alluded to above, oil companies are expected to accumulate sufficient fuel stocks before shutdowns and will also import products for delivery during the shutdowns in order to meet their supply requirements. The Department of Energy closely monitors the supply situation of fuel through supply management meetings with industry players and the monthly review of shutdown schedules as well as consultations thereon.

Reply received: May 2012

Question: 1152

Mr. JF Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether PetroSA holds anyrights to the exploitation of shale gas basins; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether PetroSA is a shareholder in and/or partner of any company holding rights to the exploitation of shale gas basins; if not; why not; if so, (i) which companies and (ii) what are the details with regard to (aa) the size of shareholdings and (bb) partnership agreements;

(3) what (a) are the reserve estimates per cubic meter and (b) estimated lifespan of the shale gas basins PetroSA has rights on?

REPLY

(1) No. PetroSA does not hold any rights to the exploration of shale gas basins. There is a moratorium on the granting of rights for shale gas exploration.

(2) PetroSA is not a shareholder and is also not a partner in any company holding rights to the exploitation of shale gas basins. (i) N/A, (ii) N/A, (aa) N/A, (bb) N/A.

(3) Refer to (1) and (2) above.

Reply received: May 2012

Question 1136

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) (a) What is the total monthly weight of coal being used by Eskom for electricity generation, (b) how much of this coal is being transported by (i) rail and (ii) road and (c) what is the average tare of trucks used for the transportation of coal;

(2) Whether the transporting of coal is outsourced; if not, why not; if so,

(3) Whether the appointments of transport companies follow an open tender process; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many suppliers are currently contracted, (b) what is the (i) monetary value and (ii) duration of each contract and (c) how many companies are Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment compliant? NW1240E

Reply

(1) During the2011/2012 financial year 125.21 million tonnes of coal was used by Eskom for electricity generation, (b) Coal transported by (i) rail was 8.5 million tonnes and (ii) 35.5 million tonnes was transported by road and (c) the average tare of a typical tipper truck is 25 tonnes. The monthly purchases equate to approximately 10 million tonnes per month, of which 2.8 million tonnes was transported by road, and 700k tonnes by rail during the 2011/2012FY.

(2) Yes, road haulage is outsourced.

(3) The appointment of transport companies did not follow an open tender process, but a prequalification process in line with Eskom's procurement supply chain management procedure 32-188 was followed. The choice of a pre-qualification process was in line with Eskom's Road to Rail Migration strategy. It was deemed appropriate to restrict appointments to existing companies with a solid track record within Eskom, than to widen the process given that road was now being significantly reduced as a mode of coal transport into the future. Eskom's Internal Audit provided an assurance role for the "pre-qualification" process by conducting a due diligence review to ascertain that there was fairness, transparency, equity and cost effectiveness in the award process, (a) There are currently 66 coal transport companies contracted within Eskom, (b) the current monetary value is (i) R6.8 billion over the duration of the contract, (ii) All current contracts were initiated on 1 November 2010 and will expire on 31 March 2014, with a total duration of 41 months. All 66 companies are BBBEE compliant and the status of these companies expressed as a percentage is as follows:

· Level 1 - 12%

· Level 2 - 16%

· Level 3 - 54%

· Level 4 - 14%

· Level 5 - 2%

· Level 7 - 2 %

Reply received: MayQuestion: 1092

Ms AM Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) (a) What are the OJ yearly rental and Oil floor space of the (aa) current and (bb) previous premises occupied by the Department of Energy head office and (b) when (I) was the current building occupied and Oil does the current lease expire;

(2) whether the Department of Energy publicly invited tenders prior to the leasing of the current premises; if not, why not; if so, (a) when, (b) where was it published and (c) which (i) companies and (ii) properties were short listed;

(3) what was the (a) floor space and (b) annual rental offered by each short listed (i) company and (ii)property?

Reply:

1. (a) (/) R16, 032, 316 p.a excluding municipal services costs (ii) (aa) 9038m2

(bb) There were no previous premises specifically occupied by DoE as the Department was non-existent prior to the split of DME. (b) (i) 01 October 2009 and April 2010 (ii) DoE does not have a Lease with the current Landlord.

(2) Tender processes were dealt with by the then DME, whereby after the split, DMR became the

hosting Department and the later department is the relevant Department 10 respond 10 this question including question 3 appropriately.

(3) This question will be appropriately responded 10 by the DMR as they were responsible for

procurement of the current premises. 2012

Reply received: May 2012

Question: 1055

Mr. J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether any power plants are using gas for the generation of electricity; if not, why not; if so, which power plants;

(2) What is (a) the cost of gas per cubic meter purchased for electricity generation and (b) the unit cost of electricity being generated through gas turbines?

Reply

1) No, there are no power plants using natural gas for the generation of electricity. This is due to the unavailability of sufficient natural gas supplies and the lack of natural gas pipeline infrastructure in South Africa.

2) Please refer to (a) above

Reply received: May 2012

Question: 1052

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

How much of South African gas is used for (a) local consumption and (b) export? NW1236E

Answer: (a) Based on the 2007 to 2010 figures, on average 631, 552, 010 kg of LPG are consumed in the local market every year. (b) Based on the 2007 to 2011 figures, on average 1,751,961 kg of LPG are exported every year.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 1022

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(1) Whether any reports on radioactive materials at Koeberg are carried out; if not, why not; if so, when was the last report published;

(2) What is the current state of radioactive materials on site at Koeberg? NW1 IGOE

(I) Background

The regulation of radioactive materials at Koeberg nuclear power station is performed by the National Nuclear Regulator in terms of the requirements of the National Nuclear Regulator Act and by the Department of Energy in terms of the Nuclear Energy Act. Eskom reports on a quarterly basis to the National Nuclear Regulator on the status of radioactive materials at Koeberg, The most recent report to the National Nuclear Regulator is dated 26 April 2012.

Eskom also reports on an annual basis to the National Nuclear Regulator on the inventory at Koeberg of purchased sealed radioactive sources, used for example in calibration equipment and monitoring instrumentation. The most recent report to the National Nuclear Regulator was in January 2012. These purchased sealed radioactive sources are also registered with the Department of Health: Directorate of Radiation Control.

Eskom further reports the inventory of new and used nuclear fuel and its location at Koeberg (i.e. in the nuclear reactors or in new or used fuel storage) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) via the department, every time there is a change in inventory (as a result of new fuel being delivered to the Koeberg site) or a change in location (as a result of fuel being moved between the reactor and the storage areas at Koeberg). The most recent report is dated 30 April 2012.

Eskom publishes in its Annual Report the volume of low and intermediate level radioactive waste generated each year and the volume transported to Vaalputs (the National Radioactive Waste Disposal Repository) and the number of used nuclear fuel elements produced each year. The most recent report is the 2010/11 Annual Report. The 2011112 Annual Report is currently in preparation and is expected to be published in June 2012.

(2) The current (30 April 2012) inventory of radioactive materials at Koeberg is as follows:

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION NO. 983

Mr J F Smalle (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

(I) (a) How many and (b) which companies are registered licensed to handle radioactive materials;

(2) Whether these companies have to declare possession of radioactive materials to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); if not, why not; if so, how many of these companies (a) have complied with these requirements and (b) have failed to comply with these requirements;

(3) Whether any action has been taken against any companies which have failed to declare possession of such radioactive materials to the IAEA; if not, why not; if so, what actions?

Reply:

1. (a) There are 62 companies which had been issued with authorisation to acquire, possess, use and transport nuclear material and nuclear related equipment.

Here are the tables: http://www.pmg.org.za/files/questions/RNW983-120515.pdf

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 981

Dr PJ Rable (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

With reference to her reply to the question 1567 on 19 July 2011, how many solar water heaters (SWHs) were in installed in her 2010/11 financial year under the Government's target? NW1157E

Reply

As part of governments rollout of solar water heaters programme, 116 000 units were installed in the 2010/11 financial year.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 971

Mr J F Smallo (DA) to ask the Minister of Energy:

1 (a)(i) How many and (ii) which power stations operate on diesel fuel and (b) what is the reason for operating power station with diesel

2 (a) where does Eskom receive its supply of diesel fuel from (b) what is the cost of diesel per litre, (c) how many litres of diesel does each plant require and (d) what is the unit per cost of electricity at these plant? NW1147E

Reply:

The Department of Energy received the question, reviewed its contents against its mandate and has determined that the most appropriate respondent should be the Department of Public Enterprise