So we generally agree on here that Eskom and the government's handling of the electricity crisis has been rather useless and even now that it's been declared an emergency they still don't seem to have any coherent ideas, so lets see if we can come up with anything better (shouldn't be hard) to show how it could be done. At least then we can't be accused of whining. 
To start with:
Introduce a pricing system that differentiates between peak and off peak so that people are encouraged to use power during off peak times. Maybe even make it dirt cheap during the really quiet periods like 2 - 6am so people will use it then. Add a demand charge to that so that you're charged for the maximum amount of current you draw at any one time to encourage people to use less appliances simultaneously. Increase electricity tariffs to fund the necessary expansion but making the differential between peak and off peak substantial so people pay attention to it.
Disconnect all non-paying consumers, illegal connections etc. Offer them the 50 free units or whatever of electricity but offer them double that if they're prepared to use it during non-peak times.
Immediately cancel or renegotiate all major power consumption investment like aluminium smelters that can't be sustained at present. Ensure the rates they pay take into account the cost of generating the power so we're not subsidising them.
Encourage private companies to build power stations by providing them with tax incentives etc. and having Eskom sign long term agreements with them guaranteeing purchase of their power at a profitable price to encourage investment.
Build as many gas power stations, like the one built at Atlantis, as is necessary to satisfy short term demand, seeing as they can be constructed in around 18 months.
Begin construction of new base load nuclear power stations immediately to satisfy future demand.
Determine as far as possible the amount of coal available in the country to ensure that any future coal power stations that are built are sustainable.
Introduce a better subsidy program for solar water heaters so that people can effectively pay them off via a no/low interest loan over the amount of time it would take to get a ROI. Add this payment on to their monthly electricity account so their bill is effectively the same amount, they now just pay off the equipment rather than the electricity. Make this equipment mandatory in all new houses.
Allow people with solar panels, wind turbines etc. to feed power back into the grid and be paid for it.
If Eskom can't handle maintenance then contract it out to a private company who can, with guaranteed SLA's etc to ensure there's less downtime.
Immediately suspend all BEE/AA criteria and hire as many people as is necessary to do the job on merit only.
Fire the Eskom board, deputy president and Alec Erwin who are responsible for this crisis. Coincide this with a major PR campaign in which the facts are laid out honestly and a clear plan is put in place. Reassure business that this is a temporary, once off situation which will be fixed ASAP and is being taken seriously. Pay compensation where necessary.
Immediately cut off all neighbouring countries and only supply them with power when SA has a power surplus and no load shedding is occurring within SA. Make them pay in advance in US$ and use this forex to buy the equipment necessary for new power stations.
Pay export parity prices if necessary for coal to ensure continued availability and replenish reserve stocks to previous levels.
What do you guys think, what should they do?
To start with:
Introduce a pricing system that differentiates between peak and off peak so that people are encouraged to use power during off peak times. Maybe even make it dirt cheap during the really quiet periods like 2 - 6am so people will use it then. Add a demand charge to that so that you're charged for the maximum amount of current you draw at any one time to encourage people to use less appliances simultaneously. Increase electricity tariffs to fund the necessary expansion but making the differential between peak and off peak substantial so people pay attention to it.
Disconnect all non-paying consumers, illegal connections etc. Offer them the 50 free units or whatever of electricity but offer them double that if they're prepared to use it during non-peak times.
Immediately cancel or renegotiate all major power consumption investment like aluminium smelters that can't be sustained at present. Ensure the rates they pay take into account the cost of generating the power so we're not subsidising them.
Encourage private companies to build power stations by providing them with tax incentives etc. and having Eskom sign long term agreements with them guaranteeing purchase of their power at a profitable price to encourage investment.
Build as many gas power stations, like the one built at Atlantis, as is necessary to satisfy short term demand, seeing as they can be constructed in around 18 months.
Begin construction of new base load nuclear power stations immediately to satisfy future demand.
Determine as far as possible the amount of coal available in the country to ensure that any future coal power stations that are built are sustainable.
Introduce a better subsidy program for solar water heaters so that people can effectively pay them off via a no/low interest loan over the amount of time it would take to get a ROI. Add this payment on to their monthly electricity account so their bill is effectively the same amount, they now just pay off the equipment rather than the electricity. Make this equipment mandatory in all new houses.
Allow people with solar panels, wind turbines etc. to feed power back into the grid and be paid for it.
If Eskom can't handle maintenance then contract it out to a private company who can, with guaranteed SLA's etc to ensure there's less downtime.
Immediately suspend all BEE/AA criteria and hire as many people as is necessary to do the job on merit only.
Fire the Eskom board, deputy president and Alec Erwin who are responsible for this crisis. Coincide this with a major PR campaign in which the facts are laid out honestly and a clear plan is put in place. Reassure business that this is a temporary, once off situation which will be fixed ASAP and is being taken seriously. Pay compensation where necessary.
Immediately cut off all neighbouring countries and only supply them with power when SA has a power surplus and no load shedding is occurring within SA. Make them pay in advance in US$ and use this forex to buy the equipment necessary for new power stations.
Pay export parity prices if necessary for coal to ensure continued availability and replenish reserve stocks to previous levels.
What do you guys think, what should they do?
