Electricity minister finally gets executive powers

President Cyril Ramaphosa has transferred all powers and functions relating to new generation capacity to Electricity Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

He also gave him those contained in Section 34(1) of the Electricity Regulation Act, which were previously entrusted to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe.

However, the president says some of those powers and functions remain with 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. Other powers and functions contained in the Electricity Regulation Act – including those related to the implementation of determinations made in terms of section 34 – will remain with the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy,” says the President in a statement.

He says the move is aimed at ensuring effective coordination and dedicated focus to deal more effectively and urgently with the electricity crisis.

“The Minister of Electricity will, as the President indicated in the State of the Nation Address, 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. The Minister will work full-time with the Eskom board and management to end load-shedding and ensure that the Energy Action Plan announced by the President is implemented without delay.”

Minister Ramokgopa has been without executive powers since he was appointed in March.