Eskom switching off 16 000 MW would annihilate SA economy: expert
An energy expert says incompetence, corruption and nepotism are driving Eskom into the ground.
On Tuesday, the power utility said requirements for it to comply with air quality regulations could force it to shut 16 000 MW of generation capacity.
It says this could lead to severe power cuts in the country.
The Department of Environmental Affairs has rejected some of Eskom's applications to postpone its compliance with minimum emission standards at its coal and liquid fuel-fired power stations.
Energy expert Ted Blom says the power producer has been repeatedly transgressing on emissions requirements for over two decades.
"If Eskom does get forced to switch off 16 000 megawatts of power, it's about 60 to 65 percent of their current output so it would annihilate the South African economy and I think responsible management at Eskom should have been aware of this risk for more think 20 years."
He says this is the price to pay when incompetent people are put in charge.
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