Johannesburg – Less electricity was generated in South Africa in January 2015 compared with January 2014, according to preliminary results from Statistics South Africa.
The volume of electricity produced fell by 1,5%. The volume of electricity available for distribution also decreased, falling by 1,3% year-on-year.
Electricity production dropped by 1,5% from 21090 GWh (gigawatt-hours) in January 2014 to 20769 GWh January 2015. The volume of electricity imported from neighbouring countries was up by 3,6%, increasing from 1020 GWh to 1 057 GWh.
A small portion of the electricity produced is used in power stations or exported to neighbouring countries, but the bulk is distributed to customers.
Exports were down by 2,3%, falling from 1183 GWh to 1156 GWh. The volume of electricity available for distribution decreased by 1,3%, from 19409 GWh to 19152 GWh.
While Eskom generated less electricity in January 2015 compared with January 2014, smaller electricity suppliers increased their production. The volume of electricity generated by smaller establishments rose by 18,7% (160 GWh), while Eskom recorded a production decrease of 2,4% (-481 GWh).
Despite this decrease, Eskom still produces the lion’s share (95%) of electricity in the country, with 19755 GWhs generated in January 2015 compared with 1014 GWhs produced by smaller suppliers.
ANA