Tag Archives: NERSA

The NERSA Nightmare: Why Are We Paying for Incompetence?

NERSA has once again proven its incompetence—ignoring critical warnings, losing court battles, and forcing consumers to pay billions for technical losses that stem directly from poor power quality. Instead of protecting the public, the regulator has become a liability, wasting taxpayer money while unbalanced networks quietly destroy our equipment and drain our economy. The question is unavoidable: why are we funding failure instead of demanding accountability?

Eskom at a Crossroads: The Urgent Need for Reform

Eskom at a crossroad

Eskom stands at a crossroads, burdened by debt, inefficiency, and systemic mismanagement. The urgent need for reform is no longer a matter of debate—it is a matter of survival. Without decisive restructuring, improved governance, and a commitment to sustainable energy, South Africa risks deeper economic stagnation and continued power insecurity. The time for half-measures has passed; only bold, transparent action can restore trust and secure the nation’s energy future.

Evaluation Criteria for Electricity Tariff Increases

Implementing Modern Asset Management Technologies

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.

Reform of NERSA—A Comprehensive Approach

Reforming NERSA requires more than cosmetic changes—it demands a comprehensive approach rooted in accountability, transparency, and technical competence. As South Africa’s energy future hangs in the balance, the regulator must evolve from reactive decision-making to proactive governance. By strengthening oversight, aligning with international best practices, and prioritizing consumer protection, reform can restore trust, stabilize the sector, and ensure that energy regulation serves the public interest rather than perpetuating inefficiency.

The Challenges in Managing South Africa’s Electricity Sector

Managing South Africa’s electricity sector has become a balancing act between aging infrastructure, financial instability, and growing demand. Persistent load shedding, regulatory inefficiencies, and misaligned investment strategies continue to undermine progress. Without decisive reforms that prioritize governance, sustainability, and innovation, the sector risks deepening the energy crisis and stalling economic growth. The challenge is clear: transform the system or face escalating instability.

NERSA’s Role in the Electricity Sector: A Critical Examination

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.

Contravention of Fiduciary Duties

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 […]