M.Com. (Business Management) / In February 1990 the State President of the Republic of South Africa unbanned the political organisations that were previously banned. This set the scene for full and free elections. It also brought new role players to the fore. Parastatal institutions, including Eskom, now faced the problem of having to adapt to the new environment. or face the possibility of serious intervention from a new Government. During 1990 Nedcor and Old Mutual formed a team of experts, including one specialist from Eskom, to seek alternative paths that South Africa may embark on in an attempt to foster an environment that would enhance the possibility of a successful transition to a democratic South Africa. The team produced a scenario, which became known as the "change of gears" scenario. One of the cornerstones of this scenario is a kick-start of the economy, inter alia through supplying with electricity those citizens who do not yet have access to electricity. With a view to this the Nedcor/Old Mutual scenario suggests an electrification rate of one million houses per annum. This figure was criticised because of the negative effect it would have on the balance ofpayments. The Nedcor/Old Mutual scenario was presented to many parties, including the Cabinet and the ANC Executive. Although criticism was expressed against this scenario, it served a meaningful purpose in that it was probably one of the impetuses for the ANC's national meeting on electrification and the creation of other scenarios, such as that of Van der Berg. as well as other studies such as this dissertation. This dissertation, comprises an environmental scan of the needs and wants of the parties affected by electricity and electrification. These parties were identified as: Eskom; the local authorities; the people who currently do not have access to electricity; the central government; the unbanned political parties; and the consumers ofelectricity. It has been ascertained that South Africa, in the form of Eskom, has an excess power generating capacity of approximately 25 percent; that 65 percent of the population does not have access to electricity; and that the price of electricity is low as compared to that ofthe rest ofthe world. It has also been established that in South Africa the percentage ofhouseholds (ii) electrified is approximately twice as high as that of any other country on the sub-continent. From this it was concluded that the issue of electrification is a political one, nevertheless an opportunity to improve the economy. The views of the interest groups were studied, with particular emphasis on the views expressed at the ANC's first national meeting on electrification. The views of the parties were reduced to a list of sixteen requirements/expectations. These were divided into two groups, these on which there are a high degree of consensus and those on which agreement would have to be obtained. The latter included the pricing issue for prepaid meter customers versus the other small power users; the effect of poor load distribution on the price paid by black local authorities; the gross underutilisation ofmanpower in the industry, due to the fragmented structures; the redistribution of wealth; strong Government intervention; and the question of the level ofprofits in the industry. From this follows the recommendation that the electricity supply industry be onsolidated under the Eskom structure and that the issue around electrification be depoliticised.It is also recommended that a stable rate of electrification of approximately 250 000 houses per annum be maintained.

M.Phil. / The problem that exists in the developing areas of the Northern Cape area of Eskom (and also in all other developing areas in South Africa), is to make the correct decisions in terms of electrification, marketing and sales of electricity and electrical appliances when electrifying these areas. This study investigates this problem. The results from field work before and after electrification and recommendations form the main part of the study. The main methods followed for this study were as follows: Previous pre-electrification studies over a period of roughly six years in 82 developing areas were aggregated into 33 tables with maximums, minimums and averages calculated, including compiling 52 graphs. This process took the best part of one year. This gives an in-depth combined view of energy - and socioeconomic aspects particular to the Northern Cape. A needs analysis was also done amongst role players inside and outside Eskom, inter alia the management of Eskom, municipalities, Rand Afrikaans University, electrical contractors and district councils. The most important needs were investigated during field work done for this study in 1994. Data processing in dBase and Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis in Statgraphics was done, and the findings were taken up in four internal before/after publications during 1995 and 1996 and finally, in this study. It provides a clearer insight into electrification -, socio economic and health aspects in the developing areas of Northern Cape before and after electrification. Electrification in developing areas in Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe is uneconomical and in many cases has just about come to a standstill. Electrification in Namibia and Botswana is progressing slowly, at a cautious economic pace. Amongst the most important findings (in another 29 tables and another 58 graphs) for the Northern Cape area of Eskom are: The number of prepaid customers in the developing areas grew from less than 100 in 1989 to more than 38 000 in 1996, an increase of more than 20 000%. At this stage these customers of Eskom consume 4.148 GWh of electricity p.m., the equivalent of about 4 148 big households, each consuming 1 000 kWh (units) of electricity. This translates to only 109.16 kWh (Eskom ±70 kWh nationally)per customer p.m., which is not even nearly economical to Eskom. It must be remembered that it took 20 years in Ireland for electrification programmes to become economically viable. The target of Eskom in South Africa vary from 350 kWh to 572 kWh p.m., the latter which can only be achieved by "second phase" electricity consumption, i.e. by using heavy appliances such as geysers as well. When the developing areas have been fully electrified, total electricity demand in South Africa could increase by 7.4%, which could cause the building of another 1.26 big power stations. After electrification, there was a statistically significant reduction in the monthly average spending on wood and coal in the developing areas of Northern Cape. The electrical appliances mostly in use (after electrification) are irons, kettles and TV's. After electrification there was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of the maximum average "marketing potential" of appliances. The electrical appliances that most residents still want to buy after electrification, are washing machines, fridges and geysers. After electrification, only 68.63% of kettles are electrical types (on average). Nearly all electrical appliances are used during the peak hours of Eskom. The maximum amount that residents are prepared to spend on electricity, is R75.89 p.m., compared to R53.64 p.m. before electrification. The recalculated total average spending on energy (excluding petrol and diesel) is R91.72 per month before electrification and R121.21 p.m. after electrification. The average level of education is between standard 5 and 6 compared to between standard 3 and 4 before electrification (this is also statistically significant). The average income of households is R943.89 p.m.,compared to R507.59 p.m. before electrification. The average number of people per household is the following (pre-electrification figures in brackets): men 1.05 (0.96), women 1.21 (1.17) and children 3.26 (2.98). The total number of people per household is 5.51 (5.11). Most residents are very satisfied with health services in their areas. The biggest group (on average 95.30%) in the electrified developing areas of Northern Cape make use of modern medicine. The next biggest group (on average 4.7%) make use of modern medicine and traditional healers.

Thesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012. / Electric motors consume over 60% of the world's generated electricity. In South Africa approximately 65% of the energy generated is consumed by electric motors (Niekerk, 2009). About 95% of motors in use in South Africa are Standard-Efficient Motors (SE-motors) that operate at an average efficiency of 84% to 90%, depending on the size of the motor and the load driven by them. High-Efficient motors (HE-motor) run at an efficiency of 2% to 8% higher than that of SE-motors. In recent years, a drive to replace SE-motors with HE-motors has been promoted for the purpose of Demand Side Management (DSM). The rationale of using HE-motors as a tool of DSM is to harness a small difference in operating efficiency per motor, which can result in a huge reduction in electricity consumption, depending on the number of HE-motors that will replace SE-motors. Reducing the demand for electricity is the key driving factor for DSM in South Africa, so as to relieve the already stressed power generation capacity. Other consequential factors of DSM are to reduce the amount of pollutant gases emitted into the atmosphere. To the electricity users DSM will be a great incentive, as reduced consumption of electricity will decrease the amount of money spent on electricity. Much has been written on the ability of HE-motors to reduce electricity consumption, cost of electricity and global pollution. ESKOM has even demonstrated the faith they have in these motors by giving rebates to motor users who are willing to exchange their existing SE-motors with new HE-motors. The rebates are paid by ESKOM through a newly established DSM program. However, it must be mentioned that savings through HE-motors is not a perfect guarantee. HE-motors have inherent design limitations that may inhibit the saving of energy. To achieve higher efficiency, HE-motors are designed to operate on a smaller slip that consequently increases their speed compared to that of SE-motors (Cheek et al., 1995). Higher rotor speed impacts energy saving abilities of HE-motors when they are used to drive fans, pumps and compressors, normally referred to as centrifugal loads. An increase in speed results in a proportional increase in flow. Power consumed by a motor goes up as a cube of the speed, and the flow rate increases linearly with speed. Motor loads in the petrochemical industry are generally centrifugal, and that is why this thesis focuses on refineries.

M.Com. (Econometrics) / An attempt has been made in this study to model electricity sales of Eskom with the aid of an econometric model. The study examines the history of econometric modeling and the applications thereof. These applications include forecasting, policy simulation and policy analysis. The sales of electricity within the specific sales categories is estimated and simulated with the use of an econometric model. The model is specified according to the expected dependent and explanatory variables. The a priori theoretical considerations concerning the size and sign of the parameters of the function are also included in the specification, as well as the mathematical form of the model. The specification process of the econometric model is based on econometric theory and on available information relating to the phenomenon being studied. The method of ordinary least squares is used in the estimation of the parameters of the model. As this is an econometric study, the emphasis is on the evaluation of the results. Economic a priori criteria, statistical criteria and econometric criteria are used to evaluate the results of the parameters obtained by the method of ordinary least squares. Several tests, including the Goldfeld Quandt test for heteroscedasticity, the Durbin-Watson test for auto correlation and the Frisch analysis of multicollinearity are executed. The overall results of the tests to which the model was subjected, was satisfactory. The best functions are combined in a structured model. This model is simulated with the use of the Gauss-Seidel-method and forecasts of historical values are obtained. Statistical tests for the validation of these results, as well as Theil's inequality coefficient are applied to test the forecasting power of the model. The results of the ex post forecast for the period 1988.1 to 1995.1 emphasize the usefulness of the model as a forecasting device and the dynamic simulation demonstrates the ability of the model to reproduce the historical data from which it is estimated.

South Africa’s national power utility, Eskom, procures products and services from a multitude of suppliers for its operations. Annually, Eskom’s Eastern Region spends approximately two billion rand on the procurement of products and services for its power network operations. Considering the expenditure, what is the effect of supplier quality management on Eskom’s operations? The aim of this study was to determine the impact of supplier quality management on Eskom’s Eastern Region’s power network operations. A multi methods approach was used for this study which included quantitative data and phenomenological interviews. For the past two financial years, Eskom’s Eastern Region procured R2.7billion worth of products and services from 187 suppliers for its operations. A probability sample of 82 suppliers was drawn from this population. The sample was composed of 58% electrical construction companies, 20% product manufacturers, 17% consulting engineers and 5% electrical hardware distributors. Data was collected using an email questionnaire developed by the researcher. Structured phenomenological interviews on supplier quality management were conducted with 41 employees of Eskom’s Field Services Department. These employees were chosen as they are directly accountable for managing network operations and are end-users of suppliers’ products and services. Significantly, the statistical analysis and the outcome of the phenomenological interviews revealed points of convergence and divergence between the stated positions of the suppliers and the actual experience of Eskom’s employees on quality of products and services. By combining the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of this study, the analysis illustrated the existence of cavernous gaps between suppliers and actual experience of Eskom employees on quality management areas such as suppliers’ commitment to product and service quality, focus on customer satisfaction, effective quality control and network operations. Several elements of the suppliers’ quality management programmes don’t meet Eskom’s expectations. The results of the study can benefit both suppliers and Eskom in identifying aspects of quality management that are negatively impacting operations and recommends areas of improvement. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Thesis (MTech (Industrial Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2009 / Demand Side Management (DSM) within a South African context requires a transdisciplinary approach to comprehend electricity consumption. Current research suggests a technical determinism, whereby design teams fail to acknowledged social factors and cultural influences when conceptualising DSM artefacts. The result of which, is that artefacts fail to be adopted by the market, and consumer behaviour and electricity consumption remains unchanged. The thesis aims to demonstrate the hypothesis, that semiotics and ethnology may affect sustainable residential electricity management in South Africa. The ubiquitous literature on electricity management is administered by means of the theoretical lens, Sociotechnical Theory. Mixed method instrument obtain fieldwork data from three of the eleven official South African languages: Afrikaans, English and IsiXhosa.

Thesis (MTech (Quality (Engineering)))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. / The research study establishes the maturity level of the outage process of the Outage Management Department at Eskom. The outage process started in 2012 to contribute to the effective planning and execution of outages. The successful completion of outages depends on effective planning and execution of an outage. At the time of the research study, poor outage performance at Eskom’s power stations contributed to load shedding of electricity in South Africa. The research problem statement reads as follows: The absence of an outage process maturity indicator diminishes the ability of the Outage Management Department (OMD) to comprehend the current process maturity level. The research question: Will the Outage Management Department be able to identify improvement opportunities if the maturity level of the outage process is established? iv The key research objectives are: • To consider how process maturity enables improvement. • To identify critical elements in an outage process. • To determine what is included in outage planning, control and improvement. • To identify a suitable process maturity model. • To identify a measurement instrument to determine the maturity level of Eskom’s outage process The research study uses a descriptive research design and applies the survey research method. Greener and Martelli’s (2015: Online) Business Research Process (Sources: Greener & Martelli, 2015: Online) is used together with Farooq’s Research Steps for Survey Research (2015, Online). The survey questionnaire adopted from Smith’s Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Maturity Matrix (2013: Online) was used to develop the survey questionnaire. The author developed the Outage Management Maturity Framework by combining Business Process Management Maturity model and a Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Maturity Matrix. The research finding is that a process maturity model can determine the maturity level of the outage process and is useful as a process improvement tool. The research findings rank the maturity level of the outage process at Level 2, Experimenting.

Thesis (MTech (Quality))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. / The research study establishes the maturity level of the outage process of the Outage Management Department at Eskom. The outage process started in 2012 to contribute to the effective planning and execution of outages. The successful completion of outages depends on effective planning and execution of an outage. At the time of the research study, poor outage performance at Eskom’s power stations contributed to load shedding of electricity in South Africa. The research problem statement reads as follows: The absence of an outage process maturity indicator diminishes the ability of the Outage Management Department (OMD) to comprehend the current process maturity level. The research question: Will the Outage Management Department be able to identify improvement opportunities if the maturity level of the outage process is established? The key research objectives are: • To consider how process maturity enables improvement. • To identify critical elements in an outage process. • To determine what is included in outage planning, control and improvement. • To identify a suitable process maturity model. • To identify a measurement instrument to determine the maturity level of Eskom’s outage process The research study uses a descriptive research design and applies the survey research method. Greener and Martelli’s (2015: Online) Business Research Process (Sources: Greener & Martelli, 2015: Online) is used together with Farooq’s Research Steps for Survey Research (2015, Online). The survey questionnaire adopted from Smith’s Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Maturity Matrix (2013: Online) was used to develop the survey questionnaire. The author developed the Outage Management Maturity Framework by combining Business Process Management Maturity model and a Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Maturity Matrix. The research finding is that a process maturity model can determine the maturity level of the outage process and is useful as a process improvement tool. The research findings rank the maturity level of the outage process at Level 2, Experimenting.

M.Comm. / This study is to investigate the derivatives instruments used in other international deregulated electricity markets and how some of these may be used to manage risks incurred in a local Electricity Supply Industry after deregulation. To determine which of the derivatives may be used in the South African market as the most effective hedging instrument. To determine which is most effective will be determined by the contribution to the income of the market participant.

M.Ing. (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) / The present Eskom procedure used for allocating harmonic current injection limits to large customers have been in use for the past three years. This thesis presents an international comparison of the Eskom procedure with other procedures. This comparison is used as a basis for development of recommendations that can lead to improvement of the present procedure ...