The Challenges of Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution in the South African Power Sector

Abstract

The South African Power Sector which since inception, over the years has come to be monopolized by the behemothic South African Utility Companies, has been undergoing some supply stress due to increased demand for electricity in the face of death of investment, corruption, climatic change due to gas emission; and its inability to meet these demands. Since their establishment the utility companies, are facing one of their toughest transition from a majorly coal-powered generating business to alternative sources of energy. These are not unconnected to the numerous challenges, which range from aging plants, lack of adequate investment to climatic change; particularly so when 26 % of South African electricity is powered and anchored coal-fuelled technology. Power is a critical component and factor in the developmental process of every nation, more so when every country owes it to its citizens a fundamental duty to provide a safe environment in the developmental trajectory of its economic and social programs.

Keywords

• electricity generation
• transmission
• distribution
• challenges