The law to allow an Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) will come into operation in April 2024, raising questions on the further 12 months of delay.

Energy is essential for the functioning of any modern economy. South Africa’s Central Energy Fund (CEF) does the vital job of maintaining that energy supply.

Since 2003, the South African government has been funding free electricity for the poorest households. This is because it recognises that poverty is a barrier to electricity access.

The mission of the Department of Energy is to “regulate and transform the sector for the provision of secure, sustainable and affordable energy”.

South Africa is no stranger to companies wanting to use offshore drilling to search its coastal waters for oil and gas deposits.

South Africa’s Low Emission Development Strategy 2050 is the country’s most recent emissions reductions plan.

South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is the country’s long-term energy plan until 2030. It became official government policy in October 2019.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the gaseous form of two kinds of natural gases: butane and propane. It can also be a mix of the two gases. Butane and propane are similar but have different properties, making them suitable for different things.

There is no fracking in South Africa at the moment. This is due to a court ruling overturning the government’s fracking regulations brought by activists.

In August 2021, the South African government announced a steep rise in the price of petrol – an increase of 91 cents per litre. This will place pressure on consumers, said a representative from the country’s Automobile Association.