SANEDI (South African National Energy Development Institute) is urging South Africans to use energy sparingly as the country enters Stage 4 of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions that will see a gradual increase in demand, particularly in the mining industry and other companies that will be starting to operate. 

Across the globe, electricity demand has due to lockdown and confinement measures declined by an estimated 15 percent.  In South Africa, the lockdown has led to a drop of 30 percent in energy demand (7500 MW a day) as energy-intensive mining and manufacturing industries, which account for about 60% of national consumption, have not been fully operational. 

SANEDI warns that the phased unlocking of the economy coupled with imminent colder winter months, will lead to an increase in energy consumption and subsequent strain on the power grid.   “We must at all costs avoid moving into another bout of load shedding which we experienced prior to lockdown,” comments Nkululeko Buthelezi, interim chairperson of SANEDI. 

“We therefore encourage all South African households and businesses to use energy wisely, to avoid unnecessary wastage of this valuable resource.  Where possible, energy efficient practices must be implemented to lessen the strain and optimise usage.”

The best energy efficiency advice is to always ensure that energy-consuming appliances and devices that are not in use, are switched off. Other easily implementable and short-term attainable energy efficiency practices include switching over to energy saving LED globes, using LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) gas for cooking and heating.  As well as always purchasing energy efficient appliances, which are clearly indicated in the form of an Energy.

Efficient Appliance Label, displayed on most domestic appliances for sale, when allowed to do so under the lock-down Regulations. 

The organisation stresses that load shedding will have a devastating effect not only on the recovering economy, but also on the health services such as quarantine and isolation facilities, as well as those convalescing at home.  

“We must emphasise the need for everyone to work together, just as we have stood together as a nation, to fight the virus. We urge people to switch-off non-essential appliances and to become more aware of how we use energy over the next few months.” concludes Buthelezi. 

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For enquiries contact: Mr Barry Bredenkamp
General Manager: Energy Efficiency and Corporate Communications
Mobile no: 083 655 6891
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

About SANEDI

The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), is a Schedule 3A, State Owned Company, Established by the Government to direct, monitor and conduct applied energy research to develop innovative, integrated solutions to catalyse growth and prosperity in the green economy. It drives scientific evidence-driven ventures that contribute to youth empowerment, gender equity, environmental sustainability and the 4th Industrial Revolution, within the National Development Plan (NDP), through consultative, sustainable energy projects. For more information, go to www.sanedi.org.za.