GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa has transferred to the Minister of Electricity all the powers and functions in Section 34(1) of the Electricity Regulation Act, which were previously entrusted to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.
In a statement on Friday, the Presidency said President Cyril Ramaphosa had signed a proclamation in this regard, after announcing the appointment of the Electricity Minister during the State of the Nation Address in February.
"The President has also transferred to the Minister of Electricity relevant powers and functions set out in Section 34(2) of the Electricity Regulation Act," said Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.
Section 34 of the Act deals with new generation capacity and provides as follows:
The Minister may, in consultation with the Regulator:
(a) determine that new generation capacity is needed to ensure the continued uninterrupted supply of electricity;
(b) determine the types of energy sources from which electricity must be generated, and the percentages of electricity that must be generated from such sources;
(c) determine that electricity thus produced may only be sold to the persons or in the manner set out in the such notice;
(d) determine that electricity thus produced must be purchased by the persons set out in the such notice;
(e) require that new generation capacity must -
(i) be established through a tendering procedure that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective;
(ii) provide for private sector participation.
This proclamation will provide the Minister of Electricity with the powers necessary to direct the procurement of new generation capacity and ensure the security of supply.
"Other powers and functions contained in the Electricity Regulation Act, including those related to the implementation of determinations made in terms of section 34, will remain with the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy," the Presidency said.
