South Africa's Eskom is considering importing more electricity from its neighbours as power in Africa's biggest economy is expected to remain tight for at least the next two years.

Mr Brian Dames CEO of the state utility said that supply is likely to remain tight in the world's top platinum producer until the first of two new power stations under construction comes on stream in 2013 and that the country will not be fully in the clear until 2015.

He said that "In looking at how to deal with this power system issue ... we are certainly looking at all options, all the way from imports from the region to better coal quality.”

Mr Dames said the utility had identified possible cross-border generation, with a target of 100 MW by July this year, to ease the short term strain.

The countries on South Africa's borders have nowhere near the electric generation capacity of its richer neighbour and little excess power to export.

Eskom currently imports hydro power from Mozambique.

(Sourced from Thomson Reuters)