Amid the surcharge being under review, City Power has implemented initiatives for alternative energy transmission for Joburg metro residents in order to mitigate climate change.
The MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Jack Sekwaila, said alternative energy was the City’s efforts to reduce electricity consumption and maintain energy infrastructure.
“The City is committed to achieving net-zero emissions as part of its strategic objectives. Transitioning to a cleaner energy mix and promoting energy efficiency will help the City reduce its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Sekwaila.
City Power has begun the process of sourcing alternative energy from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to decrease its electricity dependence on Eskom.
“City Power secured 92 megawatts of power from four IPPs through a short-term power purchase agreement. The Joburg Council approved a groundbreaking plan to enter a 20-year deal with IPPs to expedite the energy mix, gradually transitioning away from fossil-fuelled energy,” said Sekwaila.
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke at the City’s Just Energy Transition Municipal conference last month, saying metros owned and consumed approximately half of the country’s electricity distribution grid, while facilitating universal access to energy.
Therefore, alternative energy would aid municipalities address the electricity backlog.
“One hundred and sixty-five (165) municipalities are electricity service providers. Through the Integrated National Electrification Programme grant, municipalities are responsible for addressing the electrification backlog. Municipalities need to be in the driving seat when it comes to providing clean, affordable energy to communities, businesses and industry,” said Ramaphosa.
The City’s alternative energy strategies comprised IPPs, wheeling and installing rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, among others.
As part of City Power renewable energy integration, the power utility installed micro-grids at Amarasta informal settlement in Alexandra. The utility is also in the process of mounting two additional solar micro-grids in two other informal settlements.
Furthermore, it installed rooftop solar panels targeting essential services facilities such as hospitals, schools, municipal buildings, Rand Water pumping station and Joburg Market.
Sekwaila stated the local government was committed to rendering affordable energy to low-income households, by installing free solar geysers.
“The City already provides free basic electricity for the indigent as part of the Expanded Social Programme” said Sekwaila.
As the City was declared a construction site, Sekwalia said: “Retrofitting older structures with energy-efficient technologies and replacing conventional street lights with LED futures led to significant reductions in both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Last year, a total of 626 solar panels were installed and commissioned.
“Through the implementation of wheeling, City Power has enabled Large Power Users to purchase renewable energy from independent producers and transmit it through the power utility’s network to promote a more competitive and diversified energy market.”
The Star