The National Energy Efficiency Campaign for South Africa

Both the production of energy and its usage, impact on the atmospheric emission of harmful and odorous gases contributing to global warming.  Closer to home, pollution from coal-based energy plants contributes to land degradation, acid rain and smog. It also impacts the health of the communities living close to power stations, imposing high health-care costs.

Unsustainable energy consumption endangers our economy, too. Even though there was no load shedding this past winter the energy produced is not sufficient for the growing demand.  A healthy reserve margin sits at 17-20%, an amount that ensures that sudden changes in demand or supply and power-plant maintenance don’t cause blackouts. Currently South Africa has a reserve margin of only 8%.

We are not alone in the energy emergency we face. Energy sustainability has become an issue that no country, industry or individual can afford to ignore.

Larger businesses and factories, when using complex or specialised machinery, may need to call in a professional energy efficiency specialist to conduct an audit of their workplace. Eskom will help to fund this; visit their website for more information, application forms and a list of energy specialists in your area.

Website:  www.savingenergy.co.za

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