Eskom's latest press release

This press release was sent out on Friday. I am not going to comment at all, save to refer to the Carte Blanche exposé.

FRIDAY, 25 JANUARY 2008
POWER SUPPLY TO KEY INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS

(Friday, 25 January 2008) The level of imbalance between demand for electricity and Eskom’s capacity to supply reached an unprecedented level yesterday (24 January 2008). Consequently, Eskom had to shed
4 000MW, the highest load shed ever.

As required by its contractual arrangements Eskom alerted its 138 largest industrial customers (who account for between 20 and 30 percent of Eskom’s load) that the electricity supply position could be characterised as an “emergency or force majeure”.

The reason for this unprecedented action by Eskom is that we judged the electricity supply system to be at a very high risk and the stability of the electricity network could have been compromised.

Customers were requested to reduce their electricity usage to the minimum level possible. They were advised that they should take appropriate measures to avoid any damage or harm in the event of a supply interruption. Eskom pledged to normalise the supply position as soon as possible.

A meeting between Eskom, government and key industrial customers will take place early next week to ascertain the way forward.

This status is expected to prevail for two to four weeks.

Eskom appreciates the cooperation of major customers who have reduced their power consumption in the national interest.

However, Eskom emphasises that the notification of key industrial customers yesterday was a responsible and a precautionary measure to avert serious consequences in the event of a supply interruption.

ENDS