EE Importance

Energy efficiency = a healthier atmosphere for all

In South Africa most electricity is generated by coal-fired power stations. Although everything technically possible is done to reduce emissions into the atmosphere, greenhouse and other gases are still released into the air. Efficient use of electricity reduces these emissions, promotes sustainable use of energy resources and brings down electricity costs.

In simple terms, every kilowatt-hour of electricity saved means that one less kilogram of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. The result is better quality of life for all.

 

Creating an energy efficient environment in South Africa

In South Africa electricity usage by consumers follows a particular pattern. People use more electricity during early morning (from 07:00 to 10:00),consumption then reduces, only to increase again in late afternoons ( from 18:00 to 21:00).This places a strain on national electricity resources as Eskom needs to generate significantly more electricity to cater for consumer needs during relatively short periods.

This pattern of energy usage has massive implications for achieving energy efficiency in South Africa. “Smoothing” the demand so that electricity usage does not have distinct peaks during the day, will ensure that efficient use of power stations is achieved and emissions are considerably reduced.

Creating an energy efficient society requires that all South Africans commit themselves to saving power. Reducing the use of electricity consumption in households means ensuring that a 10% saving is achieved consistently during the entire day-it is not enough to reduce use by 10% only during morning and evenings when the demand for electricity is at its highest.

By working in partnership with Eskom and government departments like the Department of Minerals and Energy, which are devising strategies for achieving significant energy savings, South Africans will be working towards creating a new, healthier environment.

 

Demand Side Management: A tool in the drive for energy efficiency

Monitoring demand for electricity at Eskom is a process that takes place “every minute of every day.” Specialists at the national control centre monitor the country’s use of power and continually take steps to ensure that power is used consistently, thus reducing demand on the network.

Demand Side Management is crucial to promoting energy efficiency in South Africa, as it:

• Reduces the demand on the electricity network
• Delays the need for additional power stations to be built to meet demand for power
• Keeps electricity costs down
• Creates opportunities for the introduction of the creation and funding of incentives for projects and products