Minister won't stop Eskom signing energy contracts - SA Renewable Energy Council

Minister says an interministerial committee will meet mid-February to decide on affordability of procurement of renewable energy.

South African Renewable Energy Council's Davin Chown, says they welcome Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown's announcement that she will meet with Eskom and Ministers of Energy and Finance.

The aim is to resolve the stand-off on Eskom's independent power producers (IPPs) programme.

Brown said an interministerial committee will meet mid-February to decide on the affordability of the procurement of renewable energy from IPPs.

The announcement comes after criticism that Eskom has failed to sign power purchase agreements (PPAs) with IPPs who have been selected as preferred bidders in the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Independent Power.

Chown says some contradictory statements have emerged that are unclear.

She (Brown) said she would not stand in the way of Eskom signing the contracts if they feel they are ready.

David Chown, South African Renewable Energy Council

He says Eskom is trying to take away the responsibility of government decision making

Chown says ministers have to fulfill their legal obligation, as renewable energy remains the centre point for the country's investment strategy and part and parcel of government policy.

Listen to the full interview with Davin Chown below...