In a significant move to address the country’s energy challenges, the South African presidency has announced plans to establish a specialized body to oversee the raising of 319 billion rand ($18 billion) needed to repair and upgrade the country’s municipal power grids. The Just Energy Transition Municipal Forum and its secretariat will be responsible for managing the funds and ensuring that the upgrades are carried out efficiently and effectively.
According to officials who spoke at a conference near Johannesburg on Monday, the new body will also play a crucial role in training municipality staff and ensuring that the poor and vulnerable have access to free electricity through a government grant. This move is seen as a major step towards addressing the country’s energy crisis and ensuring that all citizens have access to reliable and affordable electricity.
The establishment of the Just Energy Transition Municipal Forum is a response to the growing concerns about the state of South Africa’s municipal power grids, which have been plagued by aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient funding. The resulting power outages and disruptions have had a significant impact on businesses, households, and the overall economy.
By setting up a dedicated body to oversee the upgrade and repair of the municipal power grids, the government aims to ensure that the necessary funds are raised and utilized effectively to address the energy challenges facing the country. The move is also seen as a key step towards achieving the country’s energy transition goals and ensuring a sustainable and equitable energy future for all South Africans.
