NTCSA Commences Trading, Marking Significant Reform in SA's Electricity Sector

NTCSA Board Chairperson Priscillah Mabelane outlined the entity’s commitment to maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has officially started trading, establishing itself as a distinct and wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom. This move represents a pivotal step in the reform of South Africa’s electricity supply industry.

A joint media statement from Eskom, NTCSA, and the Department of Public Enterprises highlighted the significance of this development.

Focus on Increasing Grid Capacity

Eskom Board Chairperson Mteto Nyati emphasized the entity’s primary goal of enhancing South Africa’s power grid capacity. "We are pleased to announce that NTCSA begins trading today and will focus on increasing the capacity of the national transmission grid to allow the connection of much-needed new power generation capacity. As a wholly owned subsidiary, it will operate under the direction of an independent board while providing open access to the electricity network, as envisaged during the unbundling process. We look forward to contributing to a more efficient and transparent electricity industry," he said.

Commitment to Reliable and Efficient Operations

NTCSA Board Chairperson Priscillah Mabelane outlined the entity’s commitment to maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient operations. "As we embark on this exciting and critical journey, our commitment is to continue focusing on ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations while accelerating the development of an interconnected transmission system in line with our mandate. We will ensure non-discriminatory access to the transmission network and seek ways to accelerate the rollout of the transmission grid while fostering transparency and efficiency. Together, we look forward to shaping a dynamic electricity market," Mabelane stated.

Gratitude for Support

Mabelane also expressed gratitude for the support received from various stakeholders, including the Eskom team and the Inter-Governmental Steering Committee comprising the Department of Minerals and Energy, National Treasury, and the Shareholder Representative, DPE. "We extend our deepest gratitude to our team, Eskom, Inter-Governmental Steering Committee comprising of Department of Minerals and Energy, National Treasury and the Shareholder Representative, DPE for their immense support in achieving this pivotal milestone," she said.

The establishment of NTCSA as a trading entity marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s efforts to reform its electricity supply industry, aiming for a more efficient, transparent, and interconnected power grid.