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The ANC in Parliament appears to be blocking a Bill that will result in the reduction of the price of electricity and help contribute to economic growth and job creation.

The Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) Bill was referred back to committee just before it was due to be passed by the National Assembly in June 2013.

The central aim of the ISMO Bill is to remove the operations of the electricity grid from Eskom and place it in an independent entity, making it easier for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to enter the market. This would help drive down electricity prices, encourage competition and contribute to job creation.

The Office of the Speaker confirmed that the Bill has been sent back to the Portfolio Committee on Energy for further consideration. But the Energy Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Sisa James Njikelana, told the committee yesterday that the Bill is out of his hands and that he is awaiting confirmation on the Bill from the ANC Chief Whip, Stone Sizani.

The DA will not allow the ANC to continuously block the ISMO Bill and will take up the matter in the next Chief Whip’s forum. I will also write a letter to the Energy Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Sisa James Njikelana, requesting that he put on record the reasons why the Bill has yet to be reconsidered by the Portfolio Committee.

It is imperative that the Bill is passed as it would will help increase the supply of sustainable electricity, decrease the electricity price and help create jobs in the energy sector.