Court date set to hear City’s plea to buy power from suppliers other than Eskom

On 11 and 12 May 2020 the City of Cape Town will ask the Court for a declaratory order that will enable it to choose the type of power that it provides. Currently, it is determined that the City must procure its electricity from Eskom. The City would like to diversify its energy mix for greater energy security and cleaner energy supply while combating rising electricity costs and the impact of climate change.

The Electricity Regulation Act allows the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy to prescribe the amount of energy and the type of energy resources that can be used for new generation. The City is contending that it is its Constitutional mandate to provide power to its customers and that customers should be able to choose the type of power that they receive.

‘We believe that this is a matter of urgent national and local importance. Essentially, we want the Court to agree that cities are allowed to go out to the market to procure its power from independent sources. The City maintains that it is vital for the national government to open up the electricity generation environment if cities are to be able to reduce carbon emissions and if the security of power supply is to be achieved.

‘We can assure our residents that a great amount of work is being done on renewable energy and the diversification of resources. Our energy saving work is also ongoing and we encourage customers to look at ways to continue to save electricity and to reduce the load on the grid. Reducing the usage of big energy users such as geysers will also have a positive impact on household utility costs,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti.

There are many ways to reduce energy usage and switch to alternative systems where it is possible to do so amid continued power supply uncertainty. It is especially important to be energy-wise and to be prepared as Eskom’s load-shedding occurs at short notice. The City will try its best to keep its customers informed about load-shedding as timeously as possible.

Be energy-wise

Switch off those appliances that you don’t need

Switch off your geyser and only switch it on for up to two hours per day. This will save a lot of electricity and it will save you money

Delay switching on lights and appliances until after the peak periods (between 17:00 and 21:00) whenever possible

Switch off your pool pump, geyser and other large electrical equipment, and never run both at the same time

Adjust air conditioners to 23 degrees Celsius if you need to use them

Visit www.SavingElectricity.org.za for more tips to save electricity and follow load-shedding developments on www.capetown.gov.za/loadshedding

Be prepared

Communication: Ensure that your cell phone, laptop, tablet and radio are always fully charged when power is available. This will allow you to be able to communicate with friends and family during load-shedding

Transport: Make sure that your vehicle always has fuel in the tank as most petrol stations are unable to pump fuel during power outages

Cash: Keep some cash on you as ATMs cannot operate without electricity

Security and safety: Backup batteries for electric gates, garage doors and security systems should be kept in a good working condition and be able to last through periods of load-shedding. Store temporary lighting such as battery-powered torches, gas lamps and candles in places where they will be easy to find in the dark

Eating: If you do not have a gas stove, prepare meals before the power is scheduled to be switched off. Boil water in your kettle and keep it in thermos flasks for hot drinks. You can also use an insulating cover on teapots, pots and pans to keep drinks and meals warm

Medication: Most medication requiring refrigeration can be kept in a closed fridge for several hours without spoiling, but you should check with your doctor or pharmacist if in doubt

Traffic lights: Intersections with traffic lights that are not working because of load-shedding should be treated as four-way-stops. The motorist who stops first may proceed first if the way is clear and safe to do so. Please stay calm and follow defensive driving techniques

Avoid power surges and nuisance tripping: If you know that your area will be affected by load-shedding, switch off appliances, geysers, pool pumps, air conditioners, lights and other electrical equipment to reduce the risk of damage caused when the power comes back on

Source: City Of Cape Town

Recent Posts