Eskom Identifies 6 Faulty Power Stations Behind Loadshedding, CEO Andre De Ruyter Says Coal Theft is a Problem

• Eskom executives say they have been able to identify six problematic power stations that are the main reason for loadshedding
• The problematic power stations are all located in the Mpumalanga province and include Kusile and Tutuka
• Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter told MPs that the theft of good coal is "crippling the state-owned power utility"

JOHANNESBURG - South Africans have been faced with constant rolling blackouts since the year began and there is finally a definitive reason behind Eskom's energy crisis.

Eskom executives told Members of Parliament that six power stations had been identified as the leading cause of loadshedding.

According to SABC News, the troublesome power stations are:

• Duvha Power Station in Secunda, Mpumalanga
• Kendal Power Station in the Cumbria District, Mpumalanga
• Kusile Power Station in Delmas, Mpumalanga
• Majuba Power Station, located between Volksrust and Amersfoort in Mpumalanga
• Matta Power Station in Kriel, Mpumalanga
• Tutuka Power Station in Thuthukani, Standerton in Mpumalanga

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Eskom plans to stabilise problematic power stations

Eskom execs told MPs that now problematic power stations have been identified, efforts will be geared towards stabilising these power stations, which will also stabilise the national grid.

Outgoing Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter warned that tough times are ahead even though there has been an improvement in energy capacity.

"We are seeing good progress there although 2023 is going to be a tough year for the loadshedding perspective," said De Ruyter.

Eskom dealing with coal theft problems

De Ruyter explained to MPs that one of Eskom's pressing issues is the theft of coal needed to generate electricity. The outgoing CEO explained that syndicates have been stealing Eskom's "good coal" and replacing it with discarded coal.

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De Ruyter explained that these syndicates steal the coal and then export it. According to BusinessTech, the rampant sabotage at Eskom power stations has prompted the Department of Defence to get involved.

Over 2 700 soldiers have been deployed to Eskom power stations. Tutuka Power Station has been identified as the worst-performing power station because it is crippled by criminality.

The power station is said to be only operating at 15% capacity.

Source: Briefly News