| National Energy Response Plan |
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For a pdf version of the plan, click here. The 10 Point Plan: Solving the Electricity Crisis A focus on energy efficiency in the short term, with a longer term emphasis on renewable energy for generation will take us down the renewable road, meeting the sustainable development aims and addressing climate change along the way. We have therefore put together a ten-point plan that we think would put South Africa on the road to economic sustainability: 1. Solar Water Heaters mass mobilisation project (M2SWH) - kick-start implementation with communication campaign to be conducted over next 4 months - emphasis on accredited installers and quality systems (imported or locally made). Low-income households to receive subsidy and to pay off through rates bill, high-income households to use tax- based incentive. Local Government must ensure mass rollout. 2. National Treasury to announce that approved energy efficiency measures implemented by anyone can be declared tax deductible- These measures must be implemented in the next year, and can be written off over 2 years. 3. NERSA to implement the feed-in tariff (this was planned to be 2008), and two-way metering. Government to work with renewable energy experts to determine a reasonable tariff, and funds allocated to subsidise the grid if necessary. 4. Department of Labour and Department of Education to work together to put together fast track training programme which will skill workers for solar water installation, and manufacture as well as other renewable energy and energy efficiency related skills which are lacking in the country at the moment. Budget to be allocated from 2008 and use of SETA funds prioritised. 5. National Energy Efficiency Agency must employ at least 100 people, and send them out to facilitate energy efficiency practical implementation to industry and business. Local and provincial government must employ permanent energy efficiency officers, and develop integrated energy plans. 6. Large energy intensive business and industry should enter into negotiations with renewable energy power providers to establish stand alone power stations - solar thermal electric (for 24 hr heavy industry), ocean and tidal for coastal areas, and wind (with storage) where appropriate. 7. Department of Treasury and Department of Trade and Industry must engage with Renewable Energy sector to determine investment incentives to attract national and international expertise to build renewable energy plants, and other international financiers for investment in renewable energy particularly solar thermal electric power plants. Eskom’s new power plants must prioritise Renewable Energy with commitment to binding and significant renewable energy targets. 8. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism must prioritise renewable energy and energy efficiency Strategic Environmental Assessments. All Environmental Impact Assessments for new developments must demonstrate energy efficiency and renewable energy measures to be implemented. 9. Social and environmental justice must be prioritised to avoid unfair discrimination against the poor. A stepped tariff must be prioritised and there should be a freeze on subsidised electricity for industry. 10. Government to establish advisory team of energy experts including the NGO sector to provide guidance to Cabinet over the next 5 years. The ten point plan is a start and signifies willingness to engage with all stakeholders to resolve the “energy crisis” in a way that promotes human well-being through sustainable development. We are calling on all individuals and organisations to endorse the plan. To do so, send an email or fax with your name, and your organisation or affiliations with the subject “Endorsement of Sustainable Energy Response Plan” to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (fax) 086 696 6081. CURRENT ENDORSEMENTS1. Professor J.L. Van Niekerk, Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, University of Stellenbosch 2. Jessica Wilson, Environmental Monitoring Group 3. William Williams, Selfhelp Manenberg 4. Brenda Martin, Project 90 by 2030 5. Daphne van der Wind, Umsobomvu Youth Fund, Youth Co-operatives Program 6. Dominique, Pelindaba Working Group, Coalition Against Nuclear Energy 7. Patrick Bond, Environmental Justice Project, Centre for Civil Society 8. Mariette Liefferink, Public Environmental Arbiters |
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