Load shedding has become an unfortunate reality for South Africans to confront, and this has had a particularly negative effect on businesses across the Cape.
“We recognise that load shedding has a major impact to the bottom line of businesses, affects the economy negatively and possibly results in job losses. That is why we are doing everything we can to build energy resilience in the Western Cape and support businesses to beat load shedding,” said David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities. “One of the ways to achieve energy security is through the installation of solar photo-voltaic (PV) in your business or home. Solar PV can save you money, protect you from electricity price increases and load-shedding, and help create a greener planet.”
If businesses are considering the installation of rooftop PV, or require any advice on how to make the business more resource-efficient, including water and waste management, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) and GreenCape are available to assist.
Any businesses that would like free assistance with energy-related matters can contact Green Cape at [email protected]
For any other energy related assistance, please contact the Green Energy team at [email protected]. In addition, there are a number of resources available on the 110% Green website including Frequently Asked Questions and guides on Solar PV and other energy alternatives: www.westerncape.gov.za/110green
“Eskom’s monopoly on electricity generation and supply in South Africa limits what a provincial or local government can do when confronted with load-shedding, however, we remain committed to identifying innovative ways to lessen its impact, provide certainty for business, and ultimately ensure continued economic growth in this province,” Maynier said. “I recently wrote about the many ways that the Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town are already building energy resilience to support growth and jobs during load-shedding in an op-ed for Business Day.”
Over the past three years, DEDAT and GreenCape have helped 23 municipalities to allow legal installations of PV. Approved feed-in tariffs are in place for 18 of these municipalities. This means that in most of the Western Cape, businesses can install rooftop PV and be compensated for feeding excess electricity back into the grid.
“I am committed to continued engagements with businesses in the province to drive energy resilience so that we remain “open for business”, and together continue to grow the economy and create jobs in the Western Cape,” Maynier added.
Picture: Pixabay
