Collaboration with businesses is needed to make up the shortfall in South Africa's electricity supply that is expected to last five years, state-owned utility Eskom has said.

The electricity company is concerned that energy shortages could damage the country's reputation, impacting jobs in sectors such as the platinum group metals mining industry, which relies heavily on the utility for its power.

It recently said it would increase coal stocks to 40 days, from 36, in a bid to stave off outages in the upcoming rainy season.

Delivering an address at the fourth South African Ferro-alloys Conference, Eskom regional key account manager Johan Pfister said large expansions could not be connected until there is more capacity, reports Engineering News.

"South Africa's sustainability, reputation and competitiveness will be negatively affected and pressure to reduce supply to neighbouring countries could have negative political implications," he said.

Already, some large electricity users are participating in voluntary energy conservation schemes. Mr Pfister went on to suggest that a mandatory scheme could be adopted if things get worse.

He also noted that while the global economic downturn has provided some respite, demand is virtually back to 2007 levels.

Source:

Eskom sees tight supply enduring for five years (15/09/11)

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