Govt sells power to other countries amid shortage

Eskom continues to sell cheaper electricity to foreign investors

Government is still offering cheap electricity to foreign investors as an incentive to do business, while residents and local businesses battle with rolling power cuts.

Government says it may change, but the country also relies on foreign investment. The Department of Minerals and Energy launched the National Energy Efficiency campaign today in a bid to reduce the demand for energy.

"Given that South Africa has had the cheapest electricity in the world, we have used this as an incentive. We may have to review that position," says Mineral and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica.

Meanwhile, the load shedding misery continues in the country, forcing consumers to make further adjustments. Consumers are advised to switch off geysers, use energy-efficient light bulbs and alternative energy sources for cooking.

Industries have to also ensure that they use 10% less energy. Government says local business owners who fail to comply with quotas set out by the department will be penalised and tracked down. Proposed penalties for businesses which fail to adhere to quotas will be given to the energy task team tomorrow.

Saving energy at home
Meanwhile, some electricians are at odds with Eskom and municipalities around the country, over whether switching off your geyser does in fact save electricity.

Many cities plan to distribute units which will enable municipalities to switch off geysers and other electrical appliances by remote control.

But some electricians believe switching your geyser on and off on a daily basis, could be counterproductive. They say it can cause the thermostat to work overtime, using even more power.

Monitoring devices will be installed in homes across the country within six months. Eskom and individual municipalities will cover the installation costs.