Budget 2023: Sakeliga welcomes concessions to private sector energy expansion despite no budget reform
23 February 2023
The most remarkable feature of an otherwise further corrosive budget was the finance minister's effective concession that the private sector will run future energy expansion.
This was announced as part of the conditions of the national government's R250 billion bailout package for Eskom. The conditions point to an intention to optimise but not expand existing Eskom coal capacity, and to giving private concessions for Eskom power station management. This provides for potentially efficient Eskom power station management by private operators, but also implies that the private sector must take charge of new electricity expansion projects.
Other conditions unfortunately suggest a possible capping of coal power production, which, we warn, the government may try to extend to the private sector. This would jeopardise energy security in South Africa. All technological solutions must remain on the table, and Sakeliga will oppose attempts to limit market solutions to a severe energy crisis.
National Treasury's conditions seem to provide for strict financial and operational oversight for Eskom and greater focus on transmission and distribution stability. This possibly aims to avoid a repeat of the colossal wastage and loss of focus that occurred at Medupi and Kusile power stations.