THE eThekwini Municipality, in partnership with the National Business Initiative, hosted an energy efficiency workshop for the business sector on 28 January as part of the Private Sector Energy Efficiency (PSEE) programme.
According to the municipality, commercial and industrial sectors are the largest energy consumers within the eThekwini municipal area and account for 7.8 billion kilowatt-hours. This translates into approximately R7.8-billion, according to annual data gathered in 2012. The private sector therefore remains an influential sector in energy savings in the city.
The PSEE programme aims to improve energy efficiency in commercial and industrial companies in South Africa through the subsidised provision of free energy audits, energy training and other services to assist companies in identifying and implementing energy saving measures.
Considering the rising cost of electricity and the unstable electricity supply, many businesses are seeking alternatives to decrease their demand on the electricity grid. The PSEE provides the ideal opportunity to begin that process.
Derek Morgan, senior manager of the municipality’s energy office, encouraged businesses in eThekwini to participate in the programme and take advantage of the funding available for energy efficiency audits. He hopes that businesses in the city will form 10 per cent of the national PSEE target.
Morgan added that the PSEE programme will not only benefit businesses by reducing operational costs, but will also make an impact on greenhouse gas emissions in the region and ultimately contribute to climate change mitigation. This initiative is in line with national greenhouse gas reduction commitments and aligns with the Durban Climate Change Strategy.
PSEE national programme manager, Chisakula Kaputu, said: “The PSEE programme offers valuable, ready-to-implement energy efficiency solutions with no cost to small and medium businesses and nominal costs for large companies. It is time for business to stop talking and start taking action, as no-one wants to do business in the dark.”
He said he was pleased with the attendance and enthusiasm of businesses and was confident this would translate into businesses committing to and participating in the programme.
