with a comprehensive strategy to save energy in the Western Cape
10 March 2006
An energy risk management committee team, set up following two meetings with
Government, government institutions and industry leaders, met for the first
time this afternoon (Thursday). The team, led by Provincial Minister of
Environment, Planning and Economic Development Tasneem Essop includes key
leaders in business, labour, civil society, environmental groups, tertiary
education institutions, law enforcement agencies, the health sector, the City
of Cape Town, and the Regional Energy Distributor one (RED 1) and Eskom.
The terms of reference of this committee is to come up with a comprehensive
strategy that will look at a plan for energy savings and load shedding to carry
us through until the end of May. The plan will be equitable, predictable and
take into account the needs of critical sectors and communities in the Western
Cape. A comprehensive communication and campaign strategy will also be looked
at, as well as looking at alternatives such as lifestyle changes.
At the next meeting, scheduled for next Thursday, an integrated and
comprehensive plan, developed by the City, RED1 (the Regional Energy
Distributor 1) and Eskom will be discussed and finalised. "While we recognise
the justifiable anger about the current energy situation, we also believe that
as citizens and leaders in the Province we will need to put our collective
efforts into finding a responsible way of managing the difficult period ahead
in the interest of all our people in the Province.
"I was impressed by the willingness and goodwill from everyone at the
meeting. The impressive willingness to find solutions and immense goodwill that
existed in the meeting among all leaders from the different sectors in the
meeting is a good example for Capetonians and the citizens of the Western Cape
during these challenging times."
Eskom estimates that we have to save approximately 300 Megawatts of
electricity every day until the end of May. We are appealing to all our people
to assist us in this energy saving exercise.
On behalf of the Western Cape Government we sincerely express our
appreciation to all who are willing to finding solutions in this energy risk
management committee," Minister Essop said.
Enquiries:
Lynnette Johns
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: (021) 483 3915
Fax: (021) 483 6081
Issued by: Ministry of Environment, Planning and Economic Development,
Western Cape Provincial Government
10 March 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)
