The embattled utility says it hopes to sign the first power supply agreement this week so more power can be added to the national grid as soon as possible.

The programmes include the standard offer programme, to procure power from companies who have existing generation capacity for a period of three years; the emergency generator programme, to procure more expensive power during periods when the grid is significantly constrained; and the bilateral power import programme to secure imports from neighbouring countries. 

ALSO READ: Eskom’s tariff hike may be last straw for many businesses

At first, the programmes will be open to independent generators with more than one megawatt availability.

But over time, the threshold will be lowered to enable smaller producers to participate.

"The utility aims to sign the first power supply agreement before the end of this week, and for the power to start flowing through the grid as soon as possible. The combined impact of the programmes will make an important contribution towards reducing the load-shedding burden on consumers," says Eskom spokesperson, Sikonathi Mantshantsha.

Eskom said a unit each at Camden, Kriel, Kusile and Kendal were returned overnight.

eNCA