South Africa’s Power Provider Eskom on Monday started an exercise to intensify power cuts following shortage of provision capacity.
Eskom has been badly affected by a cyclone that battered neighboring Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
The cyclone has impacted on its electricity imports from Mozambique.
The South African power provider generates nearly around 90 percent of the power for Africa’s most industrialized.
It’s officials however say the company is shedding load to help save 4,000 megawatts from the national grid on a rotational basis.
Eskom is struggling to emerge from a severe financial crisis and suffered a series of unplanned breakdowns, began rolling blackouts last week because of a shortage of generating capacity.
South Africa’s Finance Minister Last month announced the cash trapped power provider will receive a $1.6 billion bailout from the government.
This is to help give some lifeline to the company which has witnessed financial challenges resulting in power cuts to businesses and homes.
The bailout is part of earlier plans outlined by the President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Eskom bankrupt
Eskom last month was reported to be technically bankrupt according government officials.
The company generates, transmits and distributes approximately 95% of the electricity used in South Africa.
It also plays a role in approximately 45% of the electricity used in Africa. But there are fears the company will not operate beyond April due to its financial situation.
The regulator says it will continue to appeal to residents and businesses to use electricity sparingly during this period.
Source: Africafeeds.com
