State to pay power savers

Government has set aside a R5.3bn fund for cash rebates to electricity users who cut back on consumption. This financial incentive scheme, to be in place by end-May, was announced on Tuesday by Minister of Energy Dipuo Peters during her budge vote speech in parliament. Speaking to journalists before her speech, Peters said the scheme was all part of the broader mission to reduce electricity demand.

"It's important that people not only save on electricity but they also get a rebate. You are going to get paid for the megawatts saved," she said. Nersa will call for public hearings on the issue before finalising a set of rules for the incentive system.

Peters also used the occasion to slam the hospitality industry for failing to "fully embrace" the campaign to cut electricity demand.

"Hotels are not energy efficient and have not been retrofitted," Peters said. "If you leave your lights or TV on (in a hotel) they will stay on forever."

Peters added that the country had also "lost a golden opportunity" to ensure all 2010 and related infrastructure are energy efficient.

Peters also promised that a new integrated resource plan (IRP2), which will cover a 25-year time span from 2013, is being developed.

To facilitate meaningful engagement on this process, Peters said a website (www.energyirp2010.co.za) would go live in the "next few days".

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