More load shedding looms for SADC

SADC should brace for increased electricity load shedding between now and 2018 due to lack of investment and implementation of regional power projects.

The Southern African Power Pool Co-ordination Centre manager, Lawrence Musaba, said energy projects were not properly packaged due to a lack of funding.

He said power deficits in Sadc started in 2007 and at the moment the region is commissioning projects that generate 1 100 megawatts yearly while the demand for energy is rising.

Before the World Cup in 2010 power demand was 4,6 percent and is now averaging 5 percent. Musaba said, the region was expected to commission 2 896MW but with a few weeks before the end of the year the target was likely to be missed.

The reasons for the deficit include economic growth of more than 5 percent in most of the SADC member countries resulting in unprecedented growth in electricity consumption and demand.

There has also been an increase in demand for base metals resulting in high metal prices on the world market with new mining companies being established in the SADC region in the last few years.