More power for electricity minister

President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted more powers to the minister of electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

Ramaphosa signed a proclamation on Friday transferring to the new minister, ‘all the powers and functions’ contained in Section 34(1) of the Electricity Regulation Act, which were previously entrusted to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe.

“This proclamation will provide the Minister of Electricity with the powers necessary to direct the procurement of new generation capacity and ensure security of supply,” the President said in a statement.

Section 34 of the Act deals with new generation capacity and provides for among others, determining, in consultation with the regulator, that new generation capacity is needed to ensure the continued uninterrupted supply of electricity.

“Determine the types of energy sources from which electricity must be generated, and the percentages of electricity that must be generated from such sources.”

Dr Ramokgopa was appointed to oversee ‘all aspects of the electricity crisis response, including the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee’.

“This will provide a single point of command for Government’s efforts to close the shortfall in electricity supply,” said Ramaphosa.

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