Eskom rules out longer BPC deal

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South African power utility, Eskom has ruled out the possibility of extending the current 200-megawatt supply to Botswana past its July 31 deadline, piling further pressure on the need to bring Morupule B into full operation.

Since January, Botswana has been receiving 100 MW on a firm basis from Eskom and another 200 MW classified as non-firm, meaning it is provided depending on South Africa's own needs. The 200MW deal expires in July, while the 100MW will end in 2015.

Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) data provided last week indicates that Eskom's supplies are contributing more than half of local demand estimated at 550 MW. The BPC is reportedly running two local emergency diesel plants, generating 160MW, around the clock while also treating the 200MW as firm, due to the low supplies from the troubled Morupule B.

Editor's Comment
FMD crisis: We must fight as one

That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...

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