Hydro generating plant in South Africa has unique benefits and constraints. There areno licensing requirements because the dams are owned and operated by a separateGovernment Department, The hydro plant forms only 5 % of Eskom’s installedgenerating capacity and water is an extremely scarce resource. As in all large electricitysupply industries around the world, restructuring is about to be implemented with thenew challenges of being able to survive in a competitive environment. The managementtechniques developed to operate these hydro assets has elevated the plant to be aWorld Class performer realising 50 % reduction in annual cost savings while gainingsignificant increases in availability and reliability. The technique was successful in that itfocussed on a holistic approach, addressing technical, staff and management issues.This resulted in commitment, ‘buy-in’, by all staff and sustained World ClassPerformance. We are confident that we are positioned to not only survive in the newcompetitive environment, but to be a successful commercial business.
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