Western Cape Determined to End Load Shedding in Collaboration with Energy Ministries

The Western Cape Government (WCG), represented by Premier Alan Winde, remains steadfast in its commitment to ending load shedding through strategic partnerships and innovative energy solutions. At a meeting of the Western Cape Energy Council on Thursday, 8 August 2024, officials including Premier Winde and national decision-makers like Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Mare, gathered to build on strategies for a more resilient power sector.

Initiating the conversation, Premier Winde underscored the criticality of advancing beyond the existing coal-dependent energy system, even during times of no active load shedding. He pressed on the significance of continued investments in sustainable energy diversifications, especially solar and wind power, to diminish the region's reliance on the national power utility, Eskom. The Western Cape Energy Resilience Programme aims to spearhead this vision, focusing on the acceleration towards a renewable energy-rich future.

Minister Ramokgopa echoed the sentiments by appreciating the council's progress and offered the backing of his department in tackling the energy crunch. His comments highlighted an integrated effort between the WCG and national entities to address the ongoing power challenges.

Nevertheless, significant roadblocks exist, primarily revolving around municipal and Eskom's distribution networks. The Minister pointed out that these glitches have compelled the initiation of load reduction—a measure seemingly impacting disadvantaged communities disproportionately and mandating the call for more transparent regulatory frameworks akin to those regulating load shedding.

Premier Winde and the council wholeheartedly backed the call for a review of the Energy Pricing Policy. Exorbitant electricity tariffs have exerted undue stress on residents, with growing concerns over the financial toll on economically vulnerable households. Revising the EPP could be a game-changer, providing relief for those hardest hit by energy costs.

The meeting also welcomed contributions from Special Advisor to the Premier on Energy, Mr. Alwie Lester, who highlighted gas power as an integral puzzle piece in the region's energy mosaic. The WCG voiced its readiness to drive gas-to-power projects and foster Green Hydrogen developments through provincial alliances encompassing the Eastern and Northern Cape regions.

This collaborative meeting marks a fundamental pivot towards a sustainable energy future in the Western Cape, recognizing the urgency to mitigate load shedding's impact through concerted actions and policy reforms.