ENERGY has become a valuable commodity of late due to the impact of the regular load shedding in the Western Cape.
Many businesses are now forced to re-evaluate their energy usage and contingency planning is of the utmost importance to ensure a continuous profit in industries’ pursuit of economic survival.
South Africa has some of the cheapest rates of energy in the world and energy consumers have grown dependent on Eskom to continue supplying cheap power.
To alleviate the over usage of cheap electricity, the rate for electricity is set to go up by 14% in July.
The problem in South Africa is that the subsidies and tax levies needed to produce sustainable energy have not yet come under the spotlight and that is why local initiatives like the Power Saving Expo which was held in the Provence Hall, is so important to consumers in the region.
The Power Saving Expo introduced new power saving techniques and products that can be used to provide and save electricity.
Some of the products exhibited at the expo were power saving bulbs, house insulation against heat and cold, and solar panels which provide warm water without the need of a geyser.
The installation of solar panels for instance can cost between R26 000 to R30 000 which makes it an expensive proposition for middle income earners.
For a mere R4500, a family can install a wind generator, making this a much cheaper alternative.
Tax rebates on power saving installations such as solar heating panels could assist taxpayers.
