Eskom’s recent announcement of its September 2013 interim results show that the utility’s profit margins fell slightly to R12.2 billion, but the major news was the resignation of CEO, Brian Dames. It seems like a change in leadership for the utility is an incredible opportunity for a change in direction towards renewable energy, because the reality for both the utility and … [Read more...]
Imagining a future without electricity shortages
As the country hunkers down for two weeks of severe electricity shortages due to Eskom’s aging infrastructure and compromised energy planning, a new vision for a future where such things do not happen was unveiled recently in Cape Town. South Africa 2035, a 10-minute animated film produced by the Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership (CPSL), paints a picture of … [Read more...]
Eskom up for worst corporation award
Eskom is in the running to win the international award for this year’s worst corporation in the annual Public Eye Awards, taking place parallel to the World Economic Forum. Eskom supplies 90% of South Africa’s electricity needs through its 18 coal-fired power stations Eskom has applied for two-thirds of its coal-fired power stations to be exempt from and/or postpone … [Read more...]
Eskom apologises for spying on NGOs
Eskom has apologised for using a private security company to spy on environmental bodies at the Medupi power station in Limpopo. In February this year, three environmental NGOs - groundWork, Earthlife Africa Jhb, and Greenpeace Africa quit Eskom's NGO forum following reports that Eskom contracted an intelligence company to spy on the them. After that, thousands of … [Read more...]
Eskom Gets an F for Science
Today in Stockholm, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the first installment of its Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). This report focuses on the science of climate change and provides further proof that human activities, through the production of greenhouse gases, are the cause of climate change. Burning coal for the generation of electricity is a leading … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Pt 8: Spring bugs and new plans
Spring is here and the trees are in full bud. It seems a bit early since we haven't really had that much of a winter. And there are big changes afoot here to boot. Firstly, we are moving to a farm of our own near Baardskeerdersbos at the end of September. It's a huge step and we are very excited about the change. I won't talk about how sad we are to leave this lovely place, … [Read more...]
Leave the monopoly & poverty at the door
Have you read the City of Cape Town's contentious new electricity strategy? We now have until 31 May to comment, so please speak up! We received a letter from energy specialist David Lipschitz, who had the following to say about this plan... Dear Editor I am praying that someone can find the space to get this discussion into the open so that it is understood and discussed … [Read more...]
Denmark to help fund SA renewable energy
Denmark has committed to help South Africa meet its future goals of a low carbon economy and reducing the growth of greenhouse gases through the deployment of low carbon technologies in the country. An agreement signed between the two governments on Monday will see Denmark providing financial support to South Africa to invest in wind based electricity generations while the … [Read more...]
Why Nersa cut Eskom’s price hike
Thembani Bukula, chairman of the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) electricity sub-committee, explained why the regulator cut Eskom’s price hike from the requested 16 percent a year for five years to 8 percent a year. Returns: Eskom asked for returns of 7.9 percent. Nersa limited this to an average of about 3 percent. That reduces the returns to R137 billion instead … [Read more...]
Eskom spying: NGOs quit stakeholder forum
Environmental NGOs Earthlife, groundwork, and Greenpeace have suspended their participation in Eskom’s NGO forum following reports that Eskom contracted an intelligence company to spy on the organisations. "Eskom’s shocking move highlights the deep rot within the organisation that takes us back to the dark days of apartheid. If we cannot trust Eskom’s leadership to deal … [Read more...]
Solar can help private sector overcome price hikes
Solar energy can help South African companies overcome financial implications of future price hikes. Particularly medium-size businesses can benefit. However, in order for sun-generated energy to become mainstream among the South African private sector, the solar industry has to start marketing it as a practical need-to-have solution instead of a green, nice-to-have … [Read more...]
Eskom tariff hike threatens food security
The second day of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s public hearings on Eskom’s proposed price increases was dominated by arguments highlighting the likely negative economic and social effects of such increases. The threat posed to food security was at the forefront of the concerns expressed by most organisations. Day two of the public hearings on Eskom’s … [Read more...]
Energy tariff increases declare war on the poor
"Eskom's application to NERSA needs to be put on hold until a review of the Integrated Resource Plan," states Tristen Taylor, Project Coordinator of Earthlife Africa Johannesburg. "Only then we all will have more current information to base decisions on." This formed part of the comments by Earthlife Africa Johannesburg to Eskom's MYPD3, who said the hearings application has … [Read more...]
