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Pretoria - Electricity constraints were expected to ease, which should have a positive effect on the country's economic growth, President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday.
"Despite the slow growth globally, economic growth is expected to increase steadily to at least 3% over the next three years," he told reporters at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
"Our estimate is that electricity shortages are currently costing the economy close to one percentage point in economic growth."
Zuma said government had decided to look "inward" for growth opportunities, hence it developed the nine point plan which was announced at his State of the Nation address in February.
The president was briefing media on the progress made in terms of the plan since his address.
The energy crisis in the country has been a major concern for many as Eskom battles to keep the lights on.
This has been having an effect on a number of industries, especially mining.
Despite this, Zuma said that progress had been made in resolving the energy "challenge".
Eskom had signed short-term power purchase agreements, which meant additional electricity supply. This would cater for the shortfall due to maintenance and to match peak demand times.
A total of 800 MW would be added to the grid through co-generation, he said.
"A saving of 450 MW has been realised through the energy efficiency programmes.
"This is a result of South Africans working together in order to alleviate the impact of the electricity challenge," said Zuma.
Energy efficiency programmes resulted in savings in energy costs and a reduction in emissions, he added.
The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme currently supplied 1 800 MW to the grid.
Within in the next two and a half years, the renewable energy programme's 92 projects would add another 6 327 MW to the grid.
Government was also looking at other electricity generating options and the nuclear build programme was at an advanced stage, he said.
