Joint media release by David Maynier and Anton Bredell
Supporting Stellenbosch Municipality to beat load shedding
Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier and Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, welcome the decision by Stellenbosch Council yesterday (27 January 2020) that the Municipality will investigate the use and generation of alternate electricity energy supplies to beat load shedding and become more energy resilient.
Through the Municipal Energy Resilience (MER) Project, the Western Cape government will be supporting the Stellenbosch Municipality in their aim to become energy resilient. The MER Project is spearheaded by our Green Economy unit at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, who are working in collaboration with the Department of Local Government and Provincial Treasury to assist municipalities to take advantage of the new energy regulations, which may include purchasing of energy directly from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Minister David Maynier said:
“The fact is that load shedding continues to severely impact businesses and the economy in the Western Cape. And so, we have worked hard to deliver a number of projects, including the recently launched MER Project, to mitigate the impact of load shedding on the provincial economy. I am pleased to hear that we are able to support Stellenbosch Municipality through the MER Project, and I look forward to our continued efforts to do everything we can to support other municipalities to participate in the growing green energy sector so that together we can create a more energy resilient future in the Western Cape.
Minister Anton Bredell said:
“Councils need to be innovative and forward thinking. The national electricity challenges are not going away anytime soon and councils know that without a guaranteed electricity supply, job security and economic growth remains at risk.”
For more information about the Municipal Energy Resilience Project visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/gc-news/411/55584
Media enquiries:
Francine Higham
Cell: 071 087 5150
E-mail: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za
