COGTA’S EMERGENCY ENERGY RESPONSE PLAN: A STEP TOWARDS STABILITY

By Mary Martins, Gauteng COGTA

The prolonged electricity crisis has caused severe hardship for Gauteng residents and significantly hindered the province’s economic growth. While energy provision falls outside the provincial mandate, the crippling impact of load shedding on state functionality and broader society necessitated urgent intervention.

In accordance with Section 154 of the Constitution, the province is mandated to support and strengthen municipalities’ capacity to manage their own affairs, exercise their powers, and perform their functions.

Following extensive consultations with the energy sector, the Gauteng government collaborated with the national energy committee, local government, and energy experts to develop a comprehensive energy crisis response plan. During the State of the Province Address (SOPA), a commitment of R1.2 billion was announced to tackle the energy crisis. Of this, R441 million was allocated to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), whose mandate was expanded to include Section 154 interventions in addressing the energy crisis. This expansion was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between COGTA and City Power, an entity of the City of Johannesburg.

COGTA adopted a five-point strategy to address the energy crisis:

1. Eliminating illegal power connections.

2. Installing smart meters in homes and businesses.

3. Improving revenue collection, 4. indigent register

5. Replacing all damaged transformers.

By the end of the 2023/24 financial year, five local municipalitiesMogale City, Lesedi, Rand West, Emfuleni, and Merafong - alongside the City of Johannesburg, benefited from the Operation Khanyisa iGauteng Transformer Replacement Programme. Under this initiative, COGTA contributed 60 transformers to the provincial total of 345 installed across the province, benefitting approximately 40,000 households. In addition, 3,351 smart meters and 45 solar high masts were installed in these municipalities.

Significant progress was also made with two open-cycle gas turbines in Johannesburg: John Ware and Durban Street. The refurbishment of these turbines, completed by the end of the financial year, added 100 megawatts to the grid, mitigating the impact of load shedding. This milestone was officially marked with the launch of the project on 17 April 2024.

As part of the Premier’s Township, Informal Settlement, and Hostels (TISH) programme, COGTA launched a pilot microgrid project in Marasta informal settlement in Alexandra Township. This initiative provides a stand-alone solution to meet the basic power needs of low-income households. With plans to expand this initiative to 13 more communities across Gauteng, the project marks a transformative step toward improving energy access in underserved areas.

Despite a reduction in the intensity of load shedding, challenges persist around energy sustainability, affordability, access, and infrastructure. COGTA remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to implement long-term solutions to ensure a more stable and reliable energy future for the province.

Quick Facts: COGTA’s Energy Response

• 40,000 households benefited from the Operation Khanyisa transformer replacement programme.

• 3,351 smart meters installed to improve revenue collection and reduce illegal connections.

• 45 solar high masts providing safer, well-lit communities.

• 100 megawatts added to the grid from refurbished gas turbines in Johannesburg.

• Pilot microgrid project launched in Alexandra, with 13 more communities to follow.

A step towards stability and improved energy access.