The transition will incrementally take place over the next three decades, and the government said that the utility’s transition must be in line with the economic sustenance of communities living around its power stations. Eskom is responsible for producing 95 percent of the country’s power. However, the power generated is largely from coal-fired plants.

Demand in power was significantly slashed in South Africa during lockdown, media reports said. Now the forecast for the utility for 2021 is worse than expected. The coronavirus pandemic has weighed on the country’s power demand and the utility has recorded $1.3-billion for the financial year through March.

The utility has recorded its third annual loss despite being the highest power generator in the country. It is reported that the utility expects to see long-term improvements after next year and it will return to profitability in 2023.

Eskom’s efforts to cut carbon emissions will be done in a way that it does not impede socio-economic development, media reports said. More recently, the utility’s Unit 2 at the Kusile Power Station reached full commercial operation status.

Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom’s group executive for capital projects, told the media, “The commercial operation of Unit 2 is a major milestone that signifies the progress being made by Eskom towards the completion of the Kusile Build Project, on which lie the nation’s best hopes to bring stability and ensure security of electricity supply to power the South African economy.”

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This is to ensure the residences at Nyandarua County have access to clean and safe water during the Covid-19 pandemic. The water projects which were reconnected are located in Kipipiri, Ol Kalou, Ol Joro Orok and Ndaragwa constituencie, media reports said.

It appears that the Mugumo Water Project in Rurii had to pay Kenya Power and Lighting Company Sh151,000. That said, Kandoro project in Leshau Pondo ward had arrears worth Sh89,000. In addition, projects in Malewa had arrears of Sh51,000, while Weru and Ex-Jcom Dam had to clear Sh121,000 and Sh121,000 respectively.

Several families in the county depend on water projects. Under the given circumstances, those families were unable to earn money to meet their daily needs and pay electricity bills, media reports said. It is reported that water metres were disturbed as a diversion to not pay for the water consumed.

With that, it is important that the administration takes charge hereafter. However, several developments have taken place in the country in recent months. Governor Kimemia told the media, “Our aim is not only to green the lake, but also generate revenue from tourism. I am directing the relevant department to promote water sports and hospitality facilities to renew the area. We also have a programme to give our youths water packaging equipment that will help them brand their mineral water to sell and earn a living.”

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The company’s restructuring is in line with the policies established by the Ministry of Energy and the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority. The plan to establish a new company was announced last November. 

The proposed subsidiary will operate as a standalone subsidiary. Saudi Electrical is committed to complete 10 million smart meters’ installation within 15 months, implying that 33,000 meters will be installed each day. 

Saudi Electrical CEO Fahad Al-Sudairi, told the media, “No meter reading field personnel will be laid off or made redundant. Meter reading personnel are a vital part of SEC’s human capital, which is why we’ve set up retraining programs for them so they can continue to be important after we finish the (smart metering project). They will most likely end up with even better jobs within the company, especially ones that have to do with remotely maintaining and servicing the new smart meters.”

It is reported that the installation of new advanced technologies will reduce the need for meter readers. That said, it does not imply that the company will abandon its workers. 

Smart meters will offer a prepaid option allowing customers to purchase power credits using a range of digital payment methods. However, it is subject to regulatory and government agencies approval. 

The company is also closely working with the Ministry of Energy’s Renewable Energy Project Development Bureau to integrate renewable energy stations into the grid. 

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Vectren Chairman, president and chief executive officer Carl L. Chapman said, “With CenterPoint Energy, we’ve found the right partner to begin the next chapter for Vectren and our family of companies. They share the same core values and dedication to the communities they serve, which is evidenced by the commitments they have made to our employees, philanthropic outreach, and Evansville, Ind., our home, where CenterPoint Energy will locate the newly combined company’s natural gas utility operations headquarters.

“Together, we will be a stronger, more competitive company that will be well-positioned to continue to provide value for our stakeholders in the years to come.”  The terms of agreement state Vectren shareholders will receive US$72.00 for each share of Vectren common stock.

Scott M. Prochazka, president and chief executive officer of CenterPoint Energy said: “This merger represents a significant step toward our vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value. By combining our two highly complementary companies, we are creating an energy delivery, infrastructure and services leader that will drive value for our shareholders and customers, while enhancing growth opportunities for our businesses.

“From the evolution of customer expectations to the development of innovative technologies, this is a time of extraordinary opportunity for our industry. As a combined company, we will continue to focus on a future that benefits our customers, employees, communities and shareholders.”

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According to Renewable Energy Magazine, under the South Carolina rules of legislature the bill necessitates a second vote which will be sent to the state Senate. 

A spokesperson for one of Duke Energy that opposed the bill said: “that is fair and…balances the interests of all who call South Carolina home.”

“Our customers have always had the right to go solar if they choose, and that will continue.” However, the other utility SCE&G has not commented on the matter.

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