Christopher Motabogi
In the wake of the recent allocation of an eight-percent electricity hike to Eskom, the power utility says that clients, including companies, can save millions thanks to its rebates programme. In recent months the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), held public consultations countrywide to assist in deciding if Eskom’s proposed five-year, 16% annual increase was justified.
Nersa subsequently allocated Eskom an eight-percent annual increase which it said it believes would suffice to allow the electricity giant to function over the period in question. Eskom’s Andrew Etzinger who manages the company’s energy rebates programme says the national electricity grid continues to be under pressure. He says the best way to relieve that pressure is to work with customers to find ways to be more energy efficient.
“If we do that, the level of electricity consumption will obviously be reduced, which will reduce that pressure and the possibility of load shedding. This will help our customers cope with rising electricity prices by bringing down their consumption” says Etzinger.
He says the rebates programme was started in 2004 and was, at the time, most suitable to large industries like mining, but smaller businesses have started to benefit in the simplified programme in the last two years. Etzinger says in practice, contractors come out to offices and identify opportunities to for example, improve the lighting systems and put more energy-efficient systems in place.
“We’ve got advisors around the country who would come out and advise about the possible rebates which can be accessed from Eskom” says Etzinger.
Etzinger has described the rebates programme as very much “a real cash on the table” from Eskom arrangement.
In the past year, R3-billion rand has been spent on the Eskom rebates programme having included clients like big property groups, shopping centres, Hilton Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts.
“Particularly on the lighting and water heating systems, there have been remarkable savings to our customers. I would say that on average, buildings having gone for our rebates have halved their lighting bill and reduced electricity accounts by 25% simply by accessing this Eskom facility,” says Etzinger.
Visit www.eskom.co.za/idm OR 08600-375-66 for more information.
