Tutuka power station GM Sello Mametja is hopeful Eskom will be able to improve the energy availability factor (EAF) of the power station, near Standerton, Mpumalanga, above 70% by June next year.

Mametja took over as GM of the power station nine months ago and told journalists during a site tour on November 18 that Tutuka was the worst-performing of Eskom’s power stations, with an EAF of only 34%.

He said the power station had been underperforming owing to years of mismanagement and improper maintenance, fraud, corruption and theft, as well as the procurement and use of improper spares and contracts.

These issues were, however, being dealt with, he assured.

Leadership changes had been effected to ensure delivery of the recovery plan, Mametja emphasised.

Moreover, mitigations were now in place to address the fraudulent activities that had been happening at the plant.

These included, among others, fuel oil accounting and reporting being put in place, to stem the fuel theft that had been discovered earlier this year.

Moreover, Eskom Forensic had launched investigations into several cases of fraud, corruption and theft relating to spares and fuel oil procurement. Two arrests had already been made.

Mametja emphasised that, while it might not be evident, in light of the current EAF, there had already been considerable progress towards achieving an EAF level of above 70% and having all the plant’s six units on load.

He explained that the deterioration of the plant over the past few years was taking longer than anticipated to reverse.

Mametja said this was primarily due to spares availability, funding constraints and a culture of complacency over the past few years.

He noted that the plant’s current poor performance could be attributed to the delayed initiation of long-term spares contracts, poor contract management and incompetent contractors.

Therefore, a comprehensive Spares and Services Roadmap had been implemented to resolve this issue. This includes key elements such as establishing a plan for long-term original-equipment manufacturer contracts, and reviewing the effectiveness of existing contracts and terminating those that do not add value, Mametja indicated.

He emphasised that Eskom’s leadership was committed to resolving the problems, mobilising the necessary resources, stabilising operations and improving the plant’s performance.

The Eskom board has committed its support and approved a recovery plan – which is long term in naturerather than focused on short-term goals, which are actually harmful and ultimately prolong recovery – to improve key performance indicators, Mametja said.