The proposed R254 billion of relief announced in February’s budget is aimed at strengthening Eskom’s balance sheet and covering all interest payments over the next three years, provided it brings in private partners to help operate its plants and the electricity transmission network.
“If Eskom is able to deliver on the plan, which includes operational efficiency improvement, this would benefit the wider economy, including the sovereign, municipalities, banks and companies,” the ratings company’s analysts, including Benedicte Andries and Aurelien Mali, said in a note on Wednesday.
Eskom has been surviving on state bailouts for years because it can’t bring in enough income to cover its operating costs and service its loans. Acute breakdowns of its poorly maintained coal-fired plants have set back efforts to restore it to profitability and resulted in chronic electricity shortages. The rotational power cuts - load shedding - began in 2008 and have hobbled South Africa’s economy, weakening the rand and adding to inflation.