Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has not yet given his official stamp of approval, following reports claiming that the Western Cape government has been cleared to explore sourcing energy from independent power producers (IPPs)
Winde said Mantashe has however agreed to discuss the use of IPPs in the province on a bigger platform including all provincial legislatures.
Mantashe was asked to discuss the possibility of embedded generation with officials in the Western Cape and responded to say he would say at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) instead.
“He came back and said that rather than speak to the province, let’s speak the to the provinces at the NCOP. I also see that as good news to have space where we can engage,” Winde said.
Premier Winde said he has written to the minister to get clarity on recent news reports.
“There’s some confusion in the messaging… I think the message was a little misconstrued yesterday.”
The premier says he welcomes the opportunity to discuss IPPs and embedded generation, which describes the small-scale production of power within alternative distribution networks.
According to Winde embedded generation could help reduce the risk of rotational power cuts, impress rating agencies, boost the economy and create a more stable energy system.
The Democratic Alliance-led provincial government has also been pushing national government to urgently allocate it a licence so that the province can start importing liquefied natural gas.
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