Generating electricity from fossil fuels has a hidden cost: South Africa’s already scarce supply of fresh water.

Nersa is proposing a new electricity pricing structure to reflect South Africa’s evolving and diversifying energy market.

Energy storage such as grid batteries and pumped hydro can address the electricity crisis and ease load-shedding, according to the new study.

No new coal and nuclear, very little gas, and the massive deployment of renewables for the least cost electricity, says the PCC.

The three gas-to-power ships will “cost South Africa billions of rand and be loaded onto your electricity bill”, argues OUTA.

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.

While fossil fuel prices soar, solar is the solution to affordable energy security, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Lower running and maintenance costs mean EV ownership can prove an excellent investment, particularly as more affordable models become available.

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.

Coal’s dominance in South Africa’s electricity mix – totalling 90 per cent of electricity generation – means the rising price of coal is making bills more expensive.