Media statement 21 February 2024
Cllr Themba Fosi
MMC for Utilities and Regional Operations and Coordination
The City of Tshwane acknowledges the concerns raised by communities and businesses regarding exemptions from load-shedding and wishes to provide clarity on the matter.
The City is working hard to reduce the impact of load-shedding by going to the market to revive the operations of two of our power stations, Rooiwal and Pretoria West. In addition to powering the two power stations, the City also released a request for information (RFI) on procuring energy from independent power producers.
Following careful consideration, the City has determined that it is unable to grant exemptions to areas lacking dedicated networks for load-shedding mitigation. This decision is in accordance with the provisions outlined in NRS 048-9(3), which mandates the equitable distribution of load-shedding impacts across customer categories.
An entity seeking exemption from load-shedding must demonstrate preparedness to withstand power outages through the provision of standby generators or alternative backup systems. Moreover, such entities must express willingness to finance the establishment of dedicated networks tailored to their specific requirements.
The City recognises the challenges faced by businesses and residents during load-shedding. We are committed to exploring alternative solutions to minimise disruptions and enhance resilience within our community, including reducing energy reliance on Eskom. Collaborative efforts between the City and stakeholders will be crucial in identifying innovative approaches to mitigate the impact of load-shedding while upholding regulatory standards.
Formal responses to exemption applications will be provided subsequent to comprehensive assessments conducted by the Energy and Electricity Department. This ensures that decisions are made judiciously, considering all pertinent factors and adhering to regulatory guidelines.
Our multiparty coalition government remains committed to the transparent and equitable management of load-shedding measures. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders as we work together to navigate these challenges.
Enquiries: Tsebo Majoro (tseboma@tshwane.gov.za)