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Eskom

Seriti Green MTS Handover: Renewable Energy Grid Expansion

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 26, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

New Transmission Station Boosts Renewable Energy Capacity ⁤in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga, South Africa – November 27, 2025 - Seriti Green has officially transferred ownership ⁢of the Vunumoya Main Transmission Station (MTS) to Eskom and its subsidiary, the National ⁤Transmission Company South ⁣Africa (NTCSA), marking a ⁣significant step forward in expanding renewable ‌energy integration within the‍ region.⁤ The R1 billion+ project, completed in 18 ⁤months, is now‌ fully operational and integrated into ⁣the national grid.

The Vunumoya MTS, a key component of the Ummbila Emoyeni renewable energy project, will begin⁤ delivering 155MW⁢ of power from Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni One Wind Energy Facility starting November⁣ 28th – ahead ‍of the initially projected March 2026 timeline.

The handover ⁣ceremony ⁢was attended by key leaders including Seriti Group CEO Mike Teke, Seriti Green CEO Peter Venn, NTCSA CEO Monde Bala, and Eskom Group CEO Dan Marokane.

“This handover⁣ exemplifies the power of effective partnerships‌ and represents a crucial‌ milestone in South Africa’s energy transition and the revitalization of Mpumalanga‍ as a burgeoning renewable energy ‌hub,” stated Teke. “Seriti is proud to contribute to building the infrastructure ⁤necessary for‍ a secure and sustainable ⁣national energy future.”

NTCSA CEO Monde ⁤Bala emphasized the station’s role in bolstering grid capacity and‍ facilitating further renewable energy‍ connections. “The vunumoya project directly supports our commitment to efficiently integrating renewable energy sources, strengthening grid reliability, and advancing South africa’s transition to a diversified, low-carbon energy mix.”

Designed with future scalability in mind,⁣ the Vunumoya MTS boasts the capacity to accommodate approximately 900MW of renewable energy⁢ through the addition of future feeders and transformers, paving the way⁤ for further renewable energy projects ‌in the⁢ area.

Eskom Group⁢ CEO Dan Marokane lauded the project as a exhibition ⁣of collaborative innovation. “Achievements like⁤ Vunumoya are essential for modernizing our grid and ensuring a reliable, low-carbon power supply for⁣ generations to come.”

The Vunumoya MTS joins a growing trend of independent power producers investing ‌in‍ grid infrastructure to connect renewable energy to⁤ the national network, exemplified by Mainstream Renewable Power’s ‍recently completed self-built substation for its Khobab and ⁢Loeriesfontein wind farms.

Despite the⁣ increased capacity provided⁢ by Vunumoya, challenges remain in connecting renewable energy projects to the grid, particularly⁣ in regions with limited existing infrastructure. The ⁢lack of transmission ‌lines and substations continues to‌ pose ‍obstacles to integrating new renewable energy sources and maximizing energy output.⁤

“This milestone underscores the impact of‌ coordinated ⁢effort,” concluded Peter Venn, CEO of ⁣Seriti⁣ Green.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

World

Eskom: South Africa to End Load Shedding by March 2026

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor September 8, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Eskom Declares Load Shedding Suspension for South Africa Through March 2026

South Africa’s‌ state-owned electricity provider, Eskom, has announced a suspension of planned power outages, known as load shedding, for the upcoming summer period, ⁤extending through March 2026. This marks a significant shift from recent years characterized by frequent⁣ and disruptive blackouts impacting both households and businesses.

The declaration follows a period of ⁣unexpectedly⁢ stable grid performance throughout the winter months. ‍Eskom reports the grid operated at 97% stability during ⁣winter, resulting in only 26 hours of rotational power⁤ cuts – a ⁣substantial‍ betterment compared to previous winters with prolonged shortages.

Eskom attributes this positive ⁢change to a 4,000 megawatt increase in generation capacity, coupled with intensive maintenance and repair work on aging power plants undertaken by its engineering teams. Dan Marokane, Eskom’s Chief Group Executive, described the improvement as‌ a “structural shift” in the generation fleet’s performance, noting it has also yielded‌ substantial financial benefits. The utility saw a reduction of R16 billion (approximately US$851 million) in diesel‍ expenses due to decreased reliance on costly‍ emergency fuel generation.

The news has been met with optimism by South Africans who have long endured ‌the economic and social consequences of ⁤load shedding,which has hampered industries,small businesses,and essential services⁤ like hospitals and ⁢schools.Eskom leadership⁢ suggests a definitive end to load shedding is becoming‍ increasingly attainable.

However, officials are clarifying‌ a distinction between load shedding and load reduction. While load shedding is a planned measure to balance⁣ the ⁤grid, load reduction involves purposeful ‌power cuts in ⁣specific‌ areas due to network overloads or ⁤illegal electricity connections. ⁤ Minister of Energy and Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, acknowledged public⁣ confusion between⁤ the two and stated a plan to address load reduction will be released within two weeks.

Analysts suggest sustained improvement ⁣in Eskom’s performance could provide a vital boost to the South African economy, restoring investor confidence and lowering⁣ operational costs for businesses. A stable power supply is considered ‌crucial for ⁢attracting investment ‌and fostering ‍economic growth in Africa’s most industrialized nation.

Despite the ⁣positive outlook, experts caution that continued maintenance of existing ‍plants and diversification of energy ‌sources are essential to⁣ prevent ‍a return to crisis⁣ conditions. The period through⁤ March 2026 will ⁢serve as a critical test of Eskom’s ability to ⁢maintain⁣ this improved performance.For now, households and industries⁤ alike are welcoming the relief and ‌hoping that the utility will keep its promise to keep the lights on ⁣until March 2026.

September 8, 2025 0 comments

News

Gauteng’s Eskom load reduction schedule for the rest of June

by David Harrison – Chief Editor June 23, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Gauteng Braces for Cold Snap, Eskom Load Reductions

As a cold front descends upon Gauteng, residents are warned to prepare for scheduled power outages amidst chilly conditions. These cuts, lasting up to six hours, will affect numerous areas during peak times, adding to the challenges of the cold weather.

Load Reduction Schedule in Effect

The load reduction schedule, implemented by Eskom, will continue to impact various areas across Gauteng. Morning outages, from 5 AM to 9 AM, are expected in locations such as Jabavu, Dobsonville, and parts of Meadowlands. Evening reductions, between 5 PM and 10 PM, will affect Moroka, Chiawelo, and Kagiso.

The seven-day rotation of the schedule aims to provide some predictability to residents, as different areas experience outages on different days.

City Power’s Stance

While Isaac Mangena, a City Power spokesperson, has stated that the utility has temporarily suspended its load reduction service, this pause is not permanent. The measures could be reinstated if there’s an increase in electricity consumption, illegal connections, or meter tampering.

In contrast, Eskom is continuing its load reduction program. This was confirmed by Amanda Qithi, an Eskom Gauteng spokesperson. Multiple areas are listed in the current Eskom load reduction schedule.

Affected Areas

Areas affected by the load reduction include Dobsonville, Tsakane, Chiawelo, and Orange Farm. Others include Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, and Diepsloot. The public can find the full schedule online to check if their area is impacted.

Load reduction schedule for Monday

Gauteng’s Eskom load reduction schedule for the rest of June — Load reduction schedule for Tuesday

With temperatures expected to drop below freezing in some areas, the combined effect of load reduction and the cold front presents a significant challenge. According to recent reports, approximately 6.9 million South African households are currently experiencing load shedding (StatsSA, 2024).

June 23, 2025 0 comments