A group of NGO’s has put together a 10-point plan aimed at turning the current electricity crisis into an opportunity for South Africa to shift to a more long-term sustainable approach that reduces our reliance on coal and nuclear power.

“We have an opportunity to do things differently. A focus on energy efficiency in the short term, with a longer-term emphasis on renewable energy for generation will take us down the renewable road, meeting the sustainable development aims and address climate change along the way,” Earthlife Africa’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Project, which is spearheading the campaign, said in a press statement.

The plan is a joint campaign of Earthlife Africa, the Congress of South African Trade Unions, Sustainable Energy Africa, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute and the South African Climate Action Network.

The group would like interested individuals and organisations to endorse the plan by sending an email or fax headed “Endorsement of Sustainable Energy Response Plan” to liziwe@mweb.co.za or (fax) 086-654-9788.

The 10-point plan

1. A solar water heater mass mobilisation project (M2SWH) to be kick-started with a communication campaign to be conducted over next 4 months. The emphasis will be on accredited installers and quality systems (imported or locally made). Low-income households should receive subsidies that can be paid off through their rates bill; high-income households should receive a tax-based incentive. Local government must ensure mass rollout.

2. National Treasury to announce that approved energy efficiency measures implemented by anyone can be declared tax deductible. These measures must be implemented in the next year, and can be written off over two years.

3. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to implement the feed-in tariff (this was planned to be 2008), and two-way metering. Government to work with renewable energy experts to determine a reasonable tariff, and funds allocated to subsidise the grid if necessary.

4. The departments of labour and education to join forces to put together a fast-track training programme to provide workers with skills for solar water installation and manufacture, as well as other renewable energy and energy-efficiency related skills. These skills are lacking in the country at the moment. Budget to be allocated from 2008 and use of SETA funds prioritised.

5. The National Energy Efficiency Agency must employ at least 100 people, and send them out to facilitate energy efficiency practical implementation to industry and business. Local and provincial governments must employ permanent energy-efficiency officers, and develop integrated energy plans.

6. Large energy-intensive business and industry should enter into negotiations with renewable energy power providers to establish stand alone power stations – solar thermal electric (for 24 hr heavy industry), ocean and tidal for coastal areas, and wind (with storage) where appropriate.

7. National treasury and department of trade and industry must engage with the renewable energy sector to determine investment incentives to attract national and international expertise to build renewable energy plants, and other international financiers for investment in renewable energy, particularly solar thermal electric power plants. Eskom’s new power plants must prioritise renewable energy with commitment to binding and significant renewable energy targets.

8. The department of environmental affairs and tourism must prioritise renewable energy and energy efficiency Strategic Environmental Assessments. All environmental impact assessments for new developments must demonstrate energy efficiency and renewable energy measures to be implemented.

9. Social and environmental justice must be prioritised to avoid unfair discrimination against the poor. A stepped tariff must be prioritised and there should be a freeze on subsidised electricity for industry.

10. Government to establish advisory team of energy experts, which includes the NGO sector, to provide guidance to Cabinet over the next five years.

The 10-point plan is a start and signifies willingness to engage with all stakeholders to resolve the “energy crisis” in a way that promotes human wellbeing through sustainable development.