Hon Speaker, our electricity reserve margin has recently dropped to the dangerously low level of 1%, which brings with it the looming threat of hugely destructive blackouts. We should never have gotten into this situation again. Our electricity planning under this government has been simply deplorable. The execution of those particular plans has been even worse.
Therefore, the ID implores this government to finally give this sector the urgent attention that it deserves. South Africa's economic success hinges on us making correct and timeous choices over our energy future. We can no longer allow our economy to be strangled through procrastination. In this regard, the ID is calling for an urgent review of our 20-year energy plan which was promulgated two years ago. Many assumptions that underpin this plan have been changed dramatically over the past two years. In particular, we need to urgently consider a plan B for our nuclear programme, as advocated by the National Development Plan.
In addition, we need a risk mitigation plan that can identify any additional energy generation sources that can be brought online within the next two years and empower the private sector to do just that. We also need to drive energy efficiency far more aggressively if we are going to keep the lights on. If we don't urgently tackle our energy crisis, we'll be powerless to confront our economic and employment crisis. Therefore, we need to stop the procrastination and provide power to our nation. I thank you. [Applause.]