Loadshedding.com
JOHANNESBURG – Former Reserve Bank deputy governor, Kuben Naidoo, has issued a warning that load shedding could make a comeback if there is an increase in mining production in the coming months.
Load shedding has been suspended for about three months, with the government taking credit for the reprieve seen by households and businesses. However, Naidoo, speaking at the Operation Vulindlela conference in Rosebank on Tuesday, suggested that the poor performance in the mining sector has inadvertently contributed to keeping the lights on.
Challenges in the Mining Sector
The mining sector is currently facing significant challenges, including:
- Lower Demand for Commodities
- Increased Input Costs
- Infrastructure Challenges
These issues have reduced the sector’s productivity, leading to less strain on the power grid. A PWC report indicates that the high levels of performance and shareholder returns seen during the post-COVID rebound are fading, further easing pressure on electricity demand.
Government vs. Naidoo’s Perspective
While the government claims responsibility for the absence of load shedding, Naidoo offers a different viewpoint. “My personal view is that half of the reason we don’t have load shedding is because the mining sector is in a deep recession. If you switch on the mining sector, I do think load shedding will return,” he said.
Call for Investment in Energy
Naidoo stressed the importance of continuing to invest in renewable energy and other energy sources to alleviate this constraint. “We need to continue to invest in renewable energy and other energy sources so we can break that constraint,” he added.
The Operation Vulindlela conference is set to wrap up on Wednesday, concluding discussions on various economic challenges and strategies.
Load Shedding Reporter 
