'Eskom power supply still tight'

Eskom says that power supply remained tight, adding that all its power stations had at least 11 days coal supply. Eskom spokesperson, Andrew Etzinger, said in a presentation that the system is still tight and vulnerable.

Analysts say this could indicate that the utility may revert back to load-shedding if it does not have enough capacity to generate electricity. In reference to coal supplies at Eskom, Etzinger says that the utility have at least 11 days buffers at all its stations.

Lack of coal supplies was one of the reasons which led to constant blackouts earlier this year throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the African Development Bank has loaned $500 million, or R3.8 billion, to fund Eskom's multi-billion rand expansion project, and to help the power-starved country achieve 6% economic growth from 2010.

Eskom is battling to shore up electricity supplies due to an economic boom which has boosted demand in the power sector. The power crisis has scared investors and curbed the country's economic outlook.

According to the bank, the loan is intended to assist the government in achieving the GDP growth target of 6% per annum from 2010. Other objectives were to ensure security of supply and improve Eskom's operational efficiency from 72% of South Africans to 100% by 2012.