Western Cape's plans to end load shedding

(Media Release: Issued and provided by the Western Cape Office of the Premier)

Last week, Premier Alan Winde chaired a meeting of the Western Cape Energy Council with Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Mare in attendance to discuss ending load shedding in the Western Cape as well as the high electricity tariffs.

Opening the meeting, Premier Winde emphasised, “Even though there is currently no load shedding, we must not become complacent. The reality is that our existing energy network is ageing, and we need to invest in a different approach to our energy mix for the future.  

"The Energy Council will continue coordinating all measures outlined in the Western Cape Energy Resilience programme, particularly in speeding up our transition from coal-based power to renewable energy and reducing the province’s reliance on Eskom.

"We must not stop putting up those solar panels and wind turbines,” he said.

Minister Ramokgopa expressed his deep appreciation for the work the Energy Council has been doing since its establishment two years ago.

He offered the support of his office and the department and told the meeting that he looked forward to working with the Western Cape Government (WCG) in resolving the energy crisis. 

In a presentation he gave, the Minister indicated that:
- From 1 April 2024 to 1 August 2024 the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) increased to 63.3%, an improvement of 8 percentage points compared to the same period last year;

- The weekly EAF increased from 57% at the start of the current financial year to 70.67% from 26 July 2024 to 1 August 2024; and

- Six power stations recorded an EAF greater than 70%.

Read the full press release on the Western Cape working together to end load shedding.