LESOTHO SHIELDED FROM SA ELECTRICITY CRISIS, BUT ENERGY

UNCLAS MASERU 000041 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/S, AF/EPS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON ENRG PGOV LT SUBJECT: LESOTHO SHIELDED FROM SA ELECTRICITY CRISIS, BUT ENERGY NEEDS VASTLY DIFFERENT ¶1. Summary: Unlike many countries in the region, Lesotho's domestic hydropower capacity and low energy needs shield much of the nation from the effects of South Africa's current electricity crisis. The Lesotho Electricity Corporation (LEC) feels confident that it can continue a steady power supply to seven out of ten national districts, including the capital city of Maseru and the country's primary manufacturing centers, relying on South Africa's uncertain ESKOM supply for the rest. Peak demand during upcoming winter months, however, could pose broader nationwide capacity problems. Basotho are proud that the lights of impoverished Maseru burn brightly while neighboring Free State plunges into darkness several hours daily. The reality, however, is that Lesotho's current electricity needs are extremely small, much of the rural population remains far removed from the power grid, and industrial growth is stymied by lack of growth in energy production. End Summary. -------------- Lesotho in the Light, Free State in the Dark -------------- ¶2. In coping with severe electricity shortages, the South African electric power utility ESKOM has cut back on exports to neighboring states, including Lesotho. Lesotho, however, generates roughly 70 to 90 percent of its own electricity needs and is somewhat immune from ESKOM power shedding and rolling blackouts in South Africa, including most noticeably in neighboring Free State border towns such as Ladybrand, a mere 10 kilometers from Maseru. ¶3. To address unmet energy needs, Lesotho has traditionally purchased electricity from South Africa to support remote regions of the country unconnected to the central power grid as well as to supplement the nation's supply during times of peak demand. The capital city of Maseru and other key manufacturing towns, therefore, are currently enjoying nearly 100 percent of their electricity needs. By contrast, the three remote districts not on the central grid (sparsely populated Qacha's Nek, Mokhotlong, and Butha Buthe) are experiencing power outages similar to those in South Africa. Lesotho's electricity needs will increase by roughly 20 percent during the upcoming winter months, which may pose broader nationwide capacity problems. ¶4. Lesotho's central power grid, which encompasses the central and southern districts, including Maseru, is supplied by the Muela hydropower plant in the northern part of the country, which came on line in 1998 and significantly reduced dependency on South Africa. The facility produces 78 megawatts of electricity, while Lesotho's maximum electrical load fluctuates between 90 megawatts in the summer and 110 megawatts in the winter. A few off-grid mini-hydro and diesel plants generate small amounts of additional power. Representatives of the Lesotho Electricity Corporation (LEC) have expressed confidence that they can maintain the nation's central power grid (comprising seven of the country's ten districts) in the absence of South African imports. LEC has long-term plans to connect Butha Buthe and Qacha's Nek to the central grid, however, which will tax national capacity in the absence of new electricity generation. -------------- Comment: Basotho Pride Belies Energy Realities -------------- ¶5. The Basotho are fiercely proud of their independence, which includes historical efforts to rebuff invasion by the Boers, English, and sundry neighboring tribes and to contribute to the demise of South Africa's apartheid government. The GOL and Basotho take note that the lights of Maseru burn brightly and the impoverished country's textile mills hum without interruption, while neighboring Free State plunges into darkness several hours daily. Lesotho's highland water project (a possible future producer of additional power) also supplies most of the South African capital region's water supply, another source of domestic pride. The reality, however, is that Lesotho's current electricity needs are extremely small, much of the rural population remains far removed from the power grid (only 60,000 households are connected nationwide),and industrial growth is stymied by lack of growth in energy production. Basotho pride, therefore, belies the fact that the energy situations in South Africa and in Lesotho are, at the moment, a case of apples and oranges. End Comment. NOLAN