Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Energy Inter-Ministerial Committee visits Eskom’s Lethabo Power Station

Vereeniging - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 05 June 2015, visit Eskom’s Lethabo Power station in the Free State, as part of the work of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Energy (IMC).

The visit to Eskom Lethabo Power station by Deputy President Ramaphosa provides an opportunity for members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Energy (IMC) to interact with Eskom senior management on how power stations are performing against the plans implemented   to accelerate the restoration of the coal generating fleet capacity and reliability.

These plans are part of government’s five-point plan that was adopted by cabinet as a framework to deal with electricity challenges. The plan focuses on:

a) Immediate Measures (Improve Maintenance & Operational Practices)

b) Co-Generation (short and long term contracts)

c) Gas for power generation and additional sources of supply

d) Other Independent Power Producers (IPPs)

e) Demand Side Management

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One of the Lethabo Power station units is currently undergoing maintenance, and it provides for some first-hand experience and exposure to Deputy President Ramaphosa and delegation how maintenance is done and the scale of work involved in this exercise.   

Lethabo is a coal-fired power station that comprises six 618MW production units. A unique aspect of Lethabo is the unusually low grade and quality of coal that is burnt in the power generation process. Lethabo has an extensive water recycling and cleaning desalination. The team will also be taken through Eskom’s plans relating to environmental compliance.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:

Date: Friday, 05 June 2015

Time: 08h30 

Venue: Lethabo Power Station

In your RSVP, please also include your ID number and the serial numbers of any electronic devices like cameras that you will be bringing along. You will also be expected to present Press Cards at the entrance. 

For more information and accreditation please contact, Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251. For comments please Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria