By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Johannesburg council approves study on buying Kelvin Power Station and Egoli Gas to diversify electricity supply.
- City Power says no decision made yet as study checks costs rules and long term value for residents.
The City of Johannesburg is exploring whether it should buy Kelvin Power Station and Egoli Gas to reduce its dependence on Eskom.
The city has started a study through City Power to see if the two assets can be brought back into the city’s energy system. The aim is to spread electricity supply, lower costs and protect jobs and businesses from power problems.
The city says the study has been tabled and noted by council. No final decision has been taken.
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Jack Sekwaila says the talks are still at an early stage.
“This is a careful planning exercise,” Sekwaila said. “We are looking at local solutions to protect residents and businesses from rising electricity costs and ongoing power cuts.”
Kelvin Power Station currently supplies about 10 percent of Johannesburg’s base load electricity. Early checks show electricity from Kelvin has in the past been cheaper than power bought from Eskom.
Egoli Gas runs a gas network across the city. The city says this could help support future mixed energy options and reduce pollution over time.
City Power chief executive Tshifularo Mashava says the study forms part of its Sustainable Energy Strategy.
“We have a duty to see if these assets can bring long term value to the city,” Mashava said.
The study will look at costs, legal requirements and whether the assets are ready to operate. The results and any possible plan will be sent to city decision makers.
City Power has already brought in independent power producers and solar microgrids to help stabilise electricity supply.
Pictured above: Kelvin Power Station which supplies electricity to parts of Johannesburg.
Image source: Supplied
