March 2019

<p>Notably</p>
<ul>
<li>Eskom, with a workforce of 48 628 in 2017/18, employs 13 000 more staff than it did a decade ago, but sells less electricity.</li>
<li>There is a widening gap between demand for electricity and electricity sales. A decline in sales compels Eskom to increase tariffs to recover its fixed operational and maintenance expenses. This in turn incentivises consumers to move off-grid, further eroding the customer base.</li>
<li>The alternative to tariff increases is a bailout from government, which already guarantees R350 billion of Eskom’s now over R400 billion debt.</li>
<li>Renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro and wind power have produced a negligible amount of electricity.</li>
<li>Bold policy reform is needed, such as reducing the wage bill, appointing staff on merit, and giving greater autonomy to the Eskom board.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Fast Stats pages, with financial and other statistics, are included.</p>
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