This research reports on the energy transition that has taken place in the Bushbuckridge district between 1991 and 2002. It is a follow up to a similar study that was done in 1991 investigating a number of aspects of energy use. It uses the 1991 study as a baseline and aims to explore how the passage of time, growth of the local population and changes in incomes and the availability of fuels have affected the patterns of fuel use in the region in the past eleven years. A structured interview approach was used for most aspects of the study. The interview schedule included sections on types, amounts and reasons for use and non-use of 13 different energy sources as well as data on income levels, household size and other economic parameters. Analysis of the consumption patterns of the different fuel types revealed that between the two survey periods, households in the sample settlements went through some pronounced changes in patterns of fuel use, particularly those that had acquired electricity. The introduction of electricity in the region had certainly played a major role in spurring the energy transition. Fuels that were previously used for lighting, powering entertainment appliances and refrigeration had been displaced by electricity. In terms of cooking and other thermal application, however, the vast majority of households in all the sample settlements continued using fuelwood and complemented it to a lesser extent with paraffin and electricity. In both surveys, the use or non-use of available fuels in the region was influenced by several factors. Common reasons for non-use of certain fuel types included expense, lack of appliances, the risk involved in using such fuels and the preference for other fuels. Reasons for use were mainly related to the low cost of the fuel and the fuel’s ability to meet particular end uses. Although incomes in the region had increased between 1991 and 2002, they were still below the poverty line. Activities from which households obtained their income remained the same. Old age pension, migrant wages and the informal sector remained the largest contributors of income to most households. Other indicators of relative wealth and poverty, like ownership of vehicles, bicycles and beds remained the same.

This thesis presents tha findings of an investigation into the use of energy, between the years 1975 and 1984, in five of the major energy-intensive industries in South Africa. Energy use in all economic sectors, from 1964 to 1974, was surveyed in the report "Energy Utilisation in South Africa", published by the Department of Planning and the Environment in 1978. As this report showed the major primary industries to be the largest single users of energy in South Africa, it was decided to isolate a number of major energy-intensive industries for investigation in this study. The 1979 Census of Manufacturing showed five industrial sectors to have consumed 41% by value of the total industrial energy consumption in that year, and it is those with which this thesis is concerned. The five industries are: The Structural Clay Products Industry, The Portland Cement Industry, The Glass Making Industry, The Iron and Steel Industry, The Pulp and Paper Industry.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Due to rising energy costs, there is a growing need to reduce energy consumption (limiting greenhouse gas emissions) and reduce electricity demand (as supply capacity is not keeping up with the increased demand), and their resulting financial impact. This research study investigated the management and reporting of energy consumption at the Stellenbosch University (SU). When considering the three pillars of sustainability (economic, social and environment), the impact of energy usage is high on both financial and natural resources. The research focused on the impact of regular feedback encouraging behavioural change to enable saving of the energy resource, namely electricity, that is becoming more scarce and costly. The interview results correlated with various studies proving that the context and frequency of updated energy consumption information influence behaviour. Peer networks and pressure also contribute towards an energy-saving attitude. Certain barriers to energy conservation were identified; these include lack of control experienced by the Faculty Managers over equipment installed, as well as a shortage of capital funding. The main obstacles at the residences are lack of upgrading capital, inadequate feedback relating to energy consumption and improper enforcement of policies regarding the usage of certain equipment in dormitory rooms. Certain limitations of the study, for example the number of energy meters, made it difficult to prove beyond doubt to what extent feedback influenced the reduced energy consumption. Information campaigns ran parallel with technological interventions, making it difficult to distinguish the impact of each separately. However, it was established that the use of feedback alone would not achieve energy savings to the desired extent. In conclusion, regular feedback creates awareness, which in turn contributes towards a more energy-conscious culture.

Thesis (PhD (Electrical Engineering))--Potchefstroom University, 1993. / The domestic sector is one of the largest users of nett energy in the RSA (24%, excluding energy used for transport), but it accounts for only 14% of the electrical energy used in the RSA. There is a very strong correlation between the time of the peak of the load for the domestic sector and the time of the peak of the national load. The domestic load is the largest contributor to the peak of the national load. This makes the domestic load more important than is generally realised. Only limited research has been done about the ways in which domestic energy is used in South Africa. Developed countries, such as the United States of America, are continuously engaged in end-use load research, so they have vast data banks available on domestic end-uses of electricity. Data on domestic end-use of electricity are urgently needed especially for South Africa with its very fast growing newly urbanised sector. Since most energy sources are not replenishable, ways and means must be found to promote the wise and effective use of all forms of energy. Effective use of energy can only be promoted if the ways in which electricity is used are known. In this dissertation the electrical energy requirements of the South African domestic sector are analyzed for the present situation and for the next few decades. A model is developed to represent the electrical load. The model has subsections representing the components of the national domestic electrical load, concentrating on electrical energy for domestic water heating, with responses to factors such as: * population growth, * urbanisation, * electrification, * energy efficiency of appliances, * consumer awareness of energy conservation. The model is to be used for scenario planning of the electrical grid. The results of this study will assist to ensure effective planning of the electrical grid of South Africa into the next century.

Thesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010. / In recent years, the South African hotel industry has experienced increasing demand for hotel's services. At the same time, mounting costs of energy affects energy performance and public image. Energy management is a new approach to address those widespread problems. This study aimed to suggest good management practices and develop a "self-help" approach, to reduce the demand and costs of energy for the South Africa hotel industry. This is expected to result in monetary savings and conservation of energy resources. This has been done by conducting survey within seven selected hotels in Cape Town, metropolitan of South Africa. In addition, through the "self-help" guide, approaches to energy management system are also described, showing the ways for hotels to achieve better energy performance. Potentials for savings from good housekeeping are estimated to 10 - 15%. The "self-help" guide is recommended to be improved through implementation in pilot hotels; and the proposal set of benchmarks need to be different for hotels in different provinces of South Africa considering the differences in climate conditions. The result of this study range from presenting the energy conservation awareness, barriers, method of conservation, financial and institution mechanisms, policy measures, status of energy use and propose strategy to develop a "Self-help" guide for energy management in South African Hotel industry. It has been found that energy monitoring has been done in the South African Cape Town hotels. From the total energy consumed by this industry, electricity accounts 80% of it of which air conditioning takes the biggest share (about 50%) and the remaining for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), diesel and others fuels. In addition, through the "self-help" guide, approaches to energy management system are also described, showing the ways for hotels to achieve better energy performance. Potentials for savings from good housekeeping are estimated to 10 - 15%. The "self-help" guide is recommended to be improved through implementation in pilot hotels; and the proposal set of benchmarks need to be different for hotels in different provinces of South Africa considering the differences in climate conditions.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research study explored energy efficiency and the possible implications for a South African company, the Pioneer Foods Group (Pioneer Foods). “What value could Pioneer Foods derive from an energy efficiency strategy?” is the research question posed in this study. The case study analysis revealed that Pioneer Foods recently listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and therefore needed to implement an environmental management strategy as part of their carbon footprint reporting. Energy efficiency turned out to be one aspect that could have a significant impact on their carbon footprint. The most important barrier to energy efficiency identified at Pioneer Foods was found to be the lack of real-time electrical consumption information as this could result in a lack of ownership taken by mill management. Further barriers included the use of wrong information for benchmarking purposes as well as a possible misunderstanding of the different electricity tariffs shown on the electrical utility bill. Possible ways to overcome the barriers to energy efficiency at Pioneer Foods included installation of energy meters for real-time monitoring of the energy consumption, empowerment of people to ensure buy-in, as well as key performance indicators for mill managers linked to energy efficiency. It was suggested that the energy efficiency strategy be implemented in stages covering short-term, medium-term and long-term objectives. This way the implementation process would seem less intrusive to people and also give the energy efficiency team the opportunity to learn more and perhaps adjust the strategy throughout the implementation process. This research project should act as a starting point for Pioneer Foods to grow from being unconsciously incompetent to becoming consciously competent in the field of energy efficiency. The observations made throughout this study, should convince companies that energy efficiency should not just matter to high energy users. All companies should explore their own drivers for implementing energy efficiency and act on it. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsingstudie het die effektiewe gebruik van energie, en die moontlike implikasies vir ‘n Suid Afrikaanse maatskappy, die Pioneer Voedsel Groep (Pioneer Voedsel) ondersoek. “Watter waarde sou Pioneer Voedsel kon put uit ‘n energie-effektiwiteit-strategie?” is die navorsingsvraag wat in hierdie studie gestel is. Uit die analise blyk dat Pioneer Voedsel onlangs op die Johannesburgse Effektebeurs genoteer is. Daar word dus van hulle verwag om ‘n omgewingsbestuur-strategie in plek te stel as deel van hul koolstofvoetspoor-verslaggewing. Dit blyk dat energie-effektiwiteit een aspek is wat ‘n groot impak op hulle koolstofvoetspoor kan hê. Die grootste struikelblok tot energie-effektiwiteit by Pioneer Voedsel geïdentifiseer, was die tekort aan intydse elektriese verbruiksinligting. Dit kan veroorsaak dat die bestuur nie eienaarskap neem van energie-effektiwiteit nie. Verdere struikelblokke sluit in die gebruik van foutiewe inligting vir metingsdoeleindes asook ‘n moontlike gebrek aan begrip van die verskillende elektrisiteitstariewe uiteengesit op die elektrisiteitsrekening. Moontlike maniere om die struikelblokke by Pioneer Voedsel te oorkom sluit in die installasie van energiemeters vir intydse monitering van energieverbruik, bemagtiging van mense om inkoop te verseker, en sleutelprestasie-aanwysers vir bestuurders gekoppel aan energie-effektiwiteit. Dit word voorgestel dat die energie-effektiwiteit-strategie in fases geïmplementeer word om sodoende kort-, medium- en langtermyn-mikpunte te bereik. Sodoende sal die implementering van die proses minder indringend vir personeel wees. Dit gee ook die energie-effektiwiteit-span die kans om meer te leer asook die strategie aan te pas soos nodig tydens die implementeringsproses. Hierde navorsingsprojek moet dien as die vertrekpunt vir Pioneer Voedsel om te groei van onwetend onbekwaam tot wetend bekwaam in die veld van energie-effektiwiteit. Verder behoort dit maatskappye te oortuig dat energie-effektiwiteit nie net ‘n verskil maak vir hoë energie verbruikers nie, maar dat alle maatskappye hulle eie drywers vir die implementering van energie-effektiwiteit behoort te identifiseer en daarvolgens aksiestappe te neem.

M.Com. (Business Management) / The residential demand profile for electricity shows that this segment of the market has. a great demand in the morning and early evening. Due to a shortage of generation capacity during these peak consumption periods, different strategies are now needed to persuade customers to use their electricity in the periods when there is not a great demand. One way in which this can be achieved is to give the customers a time differentiated tariff i.e. a time-of-use (TOU) tariff, whereby the customer will pay a high energy rate in the peak periods, and lower energy rates in the off-peak and standard periods. The overall goal of this study was to determine to what extent residential customers would respond to such a tariff The study covered three consumption groups i.e. customers using more than 1500 kWh per month, between 600 and 1000 kWh per month, and between 300 and 600 kWh per month. All the customers taking part in the study were direct Eskom customers. Once the customers had agreed to participate in the study, they had TOU measuring equipment installed in their homes, which measured their consumption according to the time of day it was consumed.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements of a Master of Science in Building. / Introduction: Literature shows that an organization that participates in learning broadens its competitive advantage, capabilities and efficiency ensuring overall improved performance. This study reviews organizational learning in small and medium Energy Service Companies (ESCos) undertaking energy efficiency projects in the South African building industry. In addition, the study examines what impact the organizational learning has on the performance of ESCos. Furthermore factors and practices that influence organizational learning in small and medium sized ESCos are identified and reviewed. Aim: The study develops a framework for the effective learning practices which lead to better performance in implementing energy effiency projects. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a combination of interviews, document and literature review. Interviews and literature were used to gather information on organizational learning and learning practices in small and medium ESCos undertaking energy efficiency building projects. Company documents, government policies and Eskom’s operational documents were documents used for analysis. All the findings were triangulated to ensure validity and reliability. Outcome: ESCOs are instrumental in promoting energy efficiency. This study identified current learning practices and the factors that promote learning within ESCos. This enables ESCos to strategize on the possible improvement on their performances. Keywords: Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Energy Service Companies (ESCos), Organizational Learning, Performance, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and South Africa 1 Eskom is a utility company in South Africa that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to various sectors within the country and other SADC region.

Energy efficiency is an issue currently generating huge interest as a potentially costeffective solution to the twin challenges of environmental pollution from energy production, and the increasing scarcity of energy resources. This research aims to interrogate the practicalities of regulation of energy efficiency to ask what scope there is for public-led encouragement of greater energy savings in industry. Shortcomings of current theory addressed include a discounting of the impact of heterogeneity of industrial activity on prospects to effectively regulate for energy efficiency, and a conflation of the different aspects of societal functioning to which energy efficiency regulations and incentives can be applied. The research argues that the scope for energy savings has been exaggerated and the factors which drive pursuit of energy efficiency within firms of different sizes poorly understood and articulated. The Voluntary Agreement form of environmental regulation is assessed for its applicability to regulating for energy efficiency in the context of these characteristics of energy efficiency in industrial settings. An in-depth interview approach with core participants in an example of a Voluntary Agreement for energy efficiency in South Africa, the Energy Efficiency Accord (Accord), reveals the difficulties of regulating for specific technologies, the generally targeted nature of energy efficiency incentive schemes which provide household and commercial-type programmes to heavy industry, and the fact that environmental objectives and capacities are highly developed within firms interviewed and in most cases precede participation in Accord activities. The inference is that participation at this stage of the Accord's existence is driven by the need to develop and maintain relations between key stakeholders, and to exploit opportunities to influence the form of energy efficiency regulation enacted as opposed to the need to obtain forms of technical guidance. The particular pattern of participation in the Accord is argued to result in part from the historical dominance of large, energy-intensive firms in South Africa, and to be consistent with the theory that the more energy-intensive firms in a society will be motivated to participate in voluntary initiatives such as the Accord. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

M.Phil. / Coal is today providing more than seventy-five percent of South Africa's energy requirements and will, to a large extent, remain so in the future. It is thus important to evaluate the adequacy of the country's available coal resources against expected future demand. The main objective of this study, which was done under the supervision of Prof. D. J. Kotze, was therefore to analyse the specific consumption of coal in the various consumption sectors in order to establish historical trends. The specific comsumption of coal is defined as the amount of coal used to produce a unit of final product. The factors attributing to these observed trends were determined and their future role evaluated in order to establish whether it was possible to extrapolate historical trends into the future. By means of curve fitting to the observed data and extrapolation it was possible to obtain future values of specific coal consumption for each of the sectors. These values, together with the production output forecasts for the various sectors were then used to calculate the total coal requirements for three reference years, namely, 1990, 1995 and 2000. The role of coal prices in explaining trends in specific coal consumption of various sectors was also analised separately. Information to conduct the study was obtained mainly from the various coal producers' associations as well as from individual producers and other organizations such as Escom, Sasol and Iscor, the Department of Hineral and Energy Affairs and the Hinerals Bureau. In some instances private firms and producers' associations were also consulted as well as a wide variety of literature on the subject. The principal finding of the study was that coal was substituted or was still being substituted by electricity in most final applications because of the convenience of use. Coal, however, still plays and probably will continue to play an important role in future in basic industries such as the metallurgical industry. Coal prices have not up to now played a very important role in the overall specific consumption of coal which can probably be attributed to the relatively low prices of coal on the inland market. It was also found that it was not desirable to do away with the present system of price control entirely as a certain measure of control was still necessary to safeguard the usuage of coal in certain applications for which there were no other substitutes. It was further concluded that South Africa does not have the vast quantities of coal commonly thought and that measures have to be taken in order to ensure that the country's coal resources are conserved and that optimum use is made of available resources.