Eskom needs 4,000-6,000MW of additional energy to effectively carry out maintenance

Source: Mike Hutchings/Reuters

Gordhan was responding to questions posed to ministers in the economic cluster at a plenary of the National Assembly.

“Clearly it is our priority as government, and certainly within my portfolio and more importantly of the board and of the management, to ensure that we prioritise stability within the energy system.

“But the reality, as has been repeated on many occasions, is that Eskom requires a space of about 4,000 to 6,000 megawatts of additional energy so that the necessary maintenance can be undertaken.

Zondo names main players in Eskom capture

Valencia Talane  3 May 2022

Maintenance neglected for many years

“It is also a well-established fact chairperson, and this is also in the report of the Zondo Commission, that there has been neglect on the maintenance side for many years, particularly during the state capture period, in order to ensure that 'the lights stay on’. That is the legacy that we have to now overcome,” he said.

As Eskom announced that Stage 2 load shedding would continue until Monday, Gordhan said there will be stability in the power grid in the next year or so.