Page 120 - UGU Dstrct Mun IDP Report '21-22

The Department of Energy (DoE) is responsible for the funding of all prepaid electrification which is mainly in Eskom’s rural areas of supply. In terms of commercial development, it was stated in the Ugu Infrastructure Audit that generically, a commercial development “will not have infrastructure built for them until such time as the relevant developer makes a financial commitment. This indicates that current electricity infrastructure is not sufficient to support future commercial development within the Ugu District and will require financial commitment from the investor themselves.
3.5.12.3 Alternative Energy
With regards to alternative energy, it is clear from the Community Survey 2016 data that there is still very minimal use of alternative energy within the households with electricity being the preferred energy. Many strides have been taken to promote the use of sustainable alternative sources of energy. One of those have been sustainable solar lighting packages offered to rural households and schools without access to the formal electricity grid within the Ugu region. A basic package costed at a once-off payment of R2 500.00 includes two lights and cell phone charging. A more comprehensive package costed at R14 000.00 includes energy for a TV, fridge, radio, cell phone charging and three lights. The products are German-made, and the installation company has received no come-backs. The main obstacle to roll-out is financing as cash is required upfront. Capitec is the only bank open to financing this market and willing to attend community engagement sessions. Such a product is a serious option for service delivery to scattered rural communities within the district.
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