Strategic management in utilities demands more than operational oversight—it requires clear KPIs and disciplined budgeting to align performance with long-term goals. By measuring efficiency, reliability, and financial sustainability, organizations can transform data into actionable insights. When budgeting is tied directly to strategic priorities, utilities not only control costs but also unlock resilience, innovation, and growth in an increasingly complex energy landscape.
Category Archives: Physical Asset Management
Physical asset management is the management of fixed assets such as equipment, plant, buildings, and infrastructure throughout their entire lifecycle. It involves activities such as maintenance, repair, upgrades, and end-of-life disposition of the assets. The purpose of physical asset management is to prolong asset life and keep them in good condition. It also requires implementing controls on purchasing, deployment, tracking and maintaining.
28
Nov
Nov
Zero-based budgeting is the key to optimal control—forcing organizations to justify every expense from the ground up. Unlike traditional methods that carry forward inefficiencies, this disciplined approach ensures resources are allocated only where they deliver measurable value. By aligning budgets with strategic priorities, leaders gain transparency, eliminate waste, and empower smarter decision-making that drives sustainable growth.
26
Nov
Nov
Electricity tariff increase submissions must be evaluated with rigor, transparency, and fairness. A comprehensive framework considers not only financial sustainability but also efficiency, equity, and long-term impact on consumers and the economy. By applying clear criteria—covering cost drivers, performance benchmarks, and accountability measures—regulators can ensure that tariff decisions balance the needs of utilities with the rights of the public, fostering trust and stability in the energy sector.
Best Practices, Power Quality Matters
Addressing Ongoing Concerns: The State of My Complaint Against City Power Johannesburg
14
Oct
Oct
My complaint against City Power Johannesburg highlights deeper systemic issues—poor accountability, unresolved service failures, and a lack of transparency. Despite repeated engagements, the concerns remain ongoing, leaving consumers frustrated and businesses exposed to unnecessary risk. Addressing these failures is not just about fixing one complaint; it’s about demanding a higher standard of governance and ensuring that utilities serve the public with efficiency, fairness, and reliability.
NERSA’s role in South Africa’s electricity sector is pivotal, yet increasingly contested. As the regulator, it must balance utility sustainability with consumer protection, but inefficiencies, opaque processes, and inconsistent decision-making have eroded trust. A critical examination reveals the urgent need for reform—strengthening transparency, aligning with global best practices, and ensuring that regulation drives stability, efficiency, and fairness across the energy landscape.
Asset Register Management, Best Practices, Consulting Services, Physical Asset Management
Navigating the Challenges of State-Owned Enterprises through Innovative Asset Management
07
Jun
Jun
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and government institutions face numerous challenges, from inadequate policies and funding to ineffective leadership and corruption. The deterioration of public facilities and infrastructure compounds these issues, posing risks to public safety and necessitating extensive restoration efforts. Adopting innovative approaches that prioritize citizens and customers is crucial to overcoming these challenges. Asset Management, […]
04
Jun
Jun
Transforming asset management means moving beyond traditional maintenance to a holistic, lifecycle-driven approach. By integrating digital tools, predictive analytics, and strategic planning, organizations can unlock efficiency, extend asset longevity, and reduce costs. This shift positions asset management not as a back-office function, but as a core driver of resilience, sustainability, and long-term business success.
The state of asset management in South Africa reflects both pressing challenges and emerging opportunities. Aging infrastructure, limited investment, and fragmented practices continue to strain performance, yet digital transformation and lifecycle-based strategies are opening new pathways for efficiency and resilience. By embracing modern tools, clear KPIs, and sustainable planning, organizations can move beyond reactive maintenance to build a future-ready asset management culture that supports growth and stability across the economy.
14
May
May
Power quality has a direct influence on client billing—hidden inefficiencies, voltage fluctuations, and unbalanced loads can inflate costs without delivering real value. Poor quality not only damages equipment but also distorts consumption patterns, leading to inaccurate charges and higher operational expenses. By improving monitoring and corrective measures, utilities can ensure fair billing, reduce unnecessary losses, and strengthen trust with their clients.
On the 2nd of October 2023, I published an article with the heading “Phase Imbalance in Distribution Networks” in which I stated that “In a recent unrelated “survey”, I came across a 10-minute averaged voltage unbalance of 327% between Phase 2 and Phase 1”. I also asked the question: is Eskom aware what is happening […]