Loadshedding

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa Apologises for Blackouts

Published

10 months ago

July 17, 2023

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has apologised for the recent surge in blackouts, citing a decline in generating capacity and adverse weather conditions in Gauteng. Ramokgopa highlights the additional strain on the grid caused by charging inverter batteries. as reported by eNCA.

Explaining the situation, Ramokgopa points out that inclement weather, such as the snow experienced in parts of Gauteng on Tuesday and Wednesday, deprives solar panels of sunlight, resulting in cloudy conditions that prevent PV solar support. Consequently, individuals who have proactively installed solar panels, batteries, and inverters have had to rely on the grid for their energy needs.

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Moreover, the reliance on the grid extends to charging their batteries, leading to an increased demand for electricity. This heightened demand places further pressure on the already strained system.

The recent blackout increase has prompted Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to extend an apology. He attributes this occurrence to a decrease in generating capacity coinciding with unfavourable weather conditions in Gauteng. Ramokgopa emphasises the additional strain imposed on the grid by charging inverter batteries, elaborating on the impact of inclement weather and the consequent elevated demand for electricity.