South Africa is gearing up to launch its first virtual electricity transfer model by the end of next year, according to a government official.
The move aims to boost renewable power consumption and alleviate pressure on struggling state utility Eskom, which has faced severe power cuts of at least 10 hours daily due to ageing plants and transmission grid issues, according to Reuters.
Eskom, in partnership with Vodacom, has introduced an agreement for virtual wheeling, enabling consumers to purchase renewable power from any producer nationwide.
This initiative is expected to make renewable energy from large producers accessible to smaller users, such as individual buildings and factories. The model, operational by the end of 2024, aims to stabilize the country’s economy amid ongoing power challenge.