Insider on Eskom's loadshedding debacle: It goes far beyond "wet coal".

Former Eskom coal scientist turned energy consultant Mike Blenkinsop has as good a handle on the state of the SOE as anyone - and in this fascinating interview provides a comprehensive perspective on the latest loadshedding debacle. Having trained under the late Mark van der Riet, the CEO of NET Energy clearly understands the complexities of fuel inputs far better than the worthies who designed the massive Medupi and Kusile power stations without taking the local coal reserves into account. He shares a tale of indefinitely postponed maintenance and Eskom's haemorrhaging to foreign lands of engineers so vital in keeping its flywheel turning. But Queens College- and Rhodes educated Blenkinsop says it's not too late - and offers Eskom's newly recruited CEO Andre de Ruyter some pointers in how to get the utility out of the quagmire it is in. - Alec Hogg