In 2000, Eskom, the South African electric power utility had reserve capacity of about 30%. The government did not agree when the company said that they needed to start building new power plants soon, and imposed a number of policies that limited the company’s ability to expand its production.
Here is a warning article that explains what can happen to an economy that is trying to grow rapidly to provide jobs and better living conditions when it does not have enough electrical power capacity. South Africa Blackouts Snarl Traffic, Shut Cartier, Vex Mbeki
