The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes with concern that the introduction of independent power producers (IPPs) has been further delayed. Eskom recently announced potential energy shortfalls for both 2012 and 2013 and thus the introduction of independent energy generation capacity ought to occur as soon as possible.

It is currently impossible for independent power producers to operate as there is no legal basis for their existence. The Department of Energy has promised to draw up a new regulatory framework that would allow for the functioning of independent power producers; yet this has again been delayed and will likely now only be completed much later than initially expected. Mr Ompi Aphane, the deputy director-general of electricity, nuclear and clean energy, said that the new regulatory framework would be completed by the end of January. Reports have however started to suggest that the process would only be completed after the local government elections. This would only allow independent power producers access to the grid by the end of the year. That would be an unacceptable situation. The local government elections are not an excuse to delay delivery on this issue and as such, the Department of Energy should push hard to complete the required documentation as soon as possible.

Independent power producers will have to play an important role if we are to avoid electricity shortages in the next few years. As such, their speedy addition to our electricity grid is of crucial importance and the department of energy cannot allow red tape and other administrative problems to delay this new framework any further. I will be writing to the Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters, today, requesting that this project be fast-tracked immediately. The Democratic Alliance will furthermore be keeping a close eye on the situation to ensure that the Department of Energy achieves the required outcomes within an acceptable timeframe.