Minister of Electricity to visit coal-powered Kusile Power station

During the visit, the Minister of Electricity will receive a status report on the measures taken to bring back four units at Kusile.

The Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will, tomorrow, Monday, 22 May, visit the Kusile Power Station.

PURPOSE TO VISIT KUSILE POWER STATION IN MPUMALANGA

The visit to Kusile is part of the Minister’s efforts to ensure the station is on track to produce the much-needed megawatts.

During the visit, the Minister of Electricity will receive a status report on the measures taken to bring back the four units at Kusile by December.

Kusile attributed extremely poorly to the energy availability due to breakdowns and high levels of planned maintenance.

According to a study conducted during former Eskom CEO Andre De Ruyter’s tenure, Kusile Power Station 1, 2, and 3 was expected to take up to 12 to 18 months to return. However, the Minister of Electricity seems to be fast-tracking the return pace.

ALSO READ: Eskom Briefing: Power supply to remain tight in 2023

DR RAMOKGOPA TO INSPECT ACTIVE PROJECT

Nevertheless, the visit will be followed by an inspection of the construction project taking place at Kusile currently.

“Government has taken steps to improve the performance of Eskom’s existing coal fleet as part of a resolution to Load-shedding.”

Ramokgopa

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MINISTER OF ELECTRICITY FAITH ON ESKOM EMPLOYEES

While hope to recover from constant loadshedding seems to be dwindling, Ramokgopa believes Eskom employees will rise against the odds.

After being sworn in as Minister of Electricity during the cabinet reshuffle, Ramokgopa told the country that workers at Eskom are the ones who will resolve loadshedding.

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Minister recently visited the five worst-performing power stations to address grievances faced by the workers.

“As long the workers are happy… and have the necessary tools of trade… and are given the opportunity, and for as long as we are able to address the workers’ grievances, we have no doubt the workers will help us to resolve this problem,” said Ramokgopa during his visit at Tutuka Power Station in Mpumalanga in March.

This is a developing story.

ALSO READ: Minister of Electricity: “Eskom workers will resolve load shedding”