The current situation of the electricity sector in South Africa is also a concern, as Eskom is presently running at full capacity at all times and this will continue for a long period. The aim of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is to ensure electricity availability for the next ten years, and this is going to have a profound influence on ESKOM's activities. Eskom is of the opinion that the carbon pricing system is already in place in the energy sector, and the introduction of a carbon tax might prevent plans to ensure electricity availability in the future.