Utbudet av ekonomiskt överkomliga bostäder har varit begränsat i många delar av världen och möter inte konsumenternas efterfrågan, bland annat i Sverige, Finland, Australien och England. Till följd av detta har bostadsbrist, ökade bostadspriser,  bostäder med höga hyror och långa kötider ökat med åren. Subventioner infördes som ett försök till att minska produktionskostnader för byggherren och därmed erbjuda billiga hyresrätter genom subventioner till utbudssidan eller genom att bidra med med subventioner direkt till efterfrågesidan, vilket omfattar hyresgästerna i form av bostadsbidrag.  De här arbetet syftar till att fastställa de olika subventionerna som används i Australien, England, Sverige och Finland. Samtidigt undersöks vilka typ av direkta subventioner som används i dessa länder för att slutligen undersöka vilka konsekvenser utbudssidan subventioner har haft på respektive bostadsmarknad. Studien är en kvalitativ forskning baserad på en litteraturgenomgång av de olika länderna. Stödet till hyresbostäder skiljer sig åt i olika delar av världen. Regeringarna i var av dessa länder bestämmer hur finansieringen ska fördelas på bostadsmarknaden.Finansieringen kan gå till efterfrågesidan som hyreskompensation alternativt till utbudssida som subvention till konstruktören för att sänka sin produktionskostnad med förbehållet att den nya hyran för bostäderna är lägre än marknadshyran. Resultatet visar på att regeringarna har olika typer av av bostadsmarknader, men att samtliga undersökta länder föredrar hyres kompensationer framför subventioner till utbudssidan. Resultaten visar också att det största behovet av finansiell stöd till konstruktören är under lågkonjunktur, där den privata finansieringen är som lägst. Studien visar även de olika kraven för subventioner till utbudssidan, där Sverige och England har mer specifika krav än Australien och England. Under slutsatsen diskuteras för- och nackdelar med båda typerna av subventioner, där samtliga regeringar föredrar subventioner till efterfrågesidan eftersom dessa är lättare att utföra på en individbasis. De hjälper till med bostäder till rimliga priser men inte bostadsproblemet. Subventioner till utbudssidan har varit väl utnyttjade under lågkonjunkturer som en säkerhet för byggherren. Ett problem som lyfts upp med denna typ av subvention är dess kapitalintensiva natur då stora summor pengar går in i ett långt projekt, och anses av vissa inte vara en lösning på problemet med överkomliga bostäder eftersom den reglerade hyran övergår till marknadshyra efter en period. / The range of affordable housing prices has been limited in many parts of the world and does not meet consumer demand, such is the case in Sweden, Finland, Australia and England. As a result of this housing shortage, rising housing prices, homes with high rents and long queue times have increased over the years. Subsidies were introduced as an attempt to reduce production costs for the developer and thereby offer cheap rental apartments through subsidies to the supply side or by contributing a subsidy directly to the demand side, which includes the tenants in the form of housing subsidies. This paper aims to determine the different subsidies used in Australia, England, Sweden and Finland, while also researching what type of direct subsidies are used in these countries, and finally viewing what consequence the supply-side subsidies have had on their respective housing markets. The study is qualitative research based on a literature review of the different countries. The support for rental housing differs in different parts of the world, by where the government chooses to focus their financing. The financing can go to the demand side as rent compensation or to the supply side, as payment to the constructor to reduce their cost on the caveat that the new rent for this building is lower than the market rent. The results show that while different governments have different housing markets, they all favor the option for rent compensation over subsidies to newly produced real estate with lower market average rent. The results also show that the biggest need for financial support to the constructor is during a recession, where the private financing is at its lowest. The study also shows the differing local requirements for where the supply-side subsidies can go, with England and Sweden having certain requirements, while Australia and Finland have a lack of these.The conclusion discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both types of subsidies, where all governments prefer subsidies to the demand side as these are easier to perform on an individual basis. They help with affordable housing but not the housing problem. Subsidies to the supply side have been well utilized during recessions as a security for the house developers. A problem that is highlighted with this type of subsidy is its capital-intensive nature as large sums of money go into a long project, and is considered by some not to be a solution to the problem of affordable companies as regulated rents change to market rents after a period.

No description available.

Tesis por compendio / [EN] Pezothrips kellyanus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a new citrus pest in the Mediterranean basin. Nymphs of P. kellyanus refuge and feed on the surface of young fruitlets. This feeding habit causes rings of tissue scar around the apex as fruit mature and leads to economic losses because of the reduced market value of the affected fruit. Despite the worldwide distribution and economic importance of P. kellyanus, its biological control is still under development and chemical control is the only alternative for growers. In order to improve the integrated management of P. kellyanus we determined the seasonal trend of P. kellyanus nymphs during the period in which the young fruitlets are sensitive to thrips damage. We studied the diurnal distribution of ¿rst and second generation P. kellyanus nymphs, as well as, the spatial distribution within the tree of the nymphs and damages. These results will improve the sampling protocols and the insecticide applications. The seasonal trend (number of generations attacking the fruit) and damages of P. kellyanus nymphs depended on the orchards and years. This result emphasizes the importance of sampling weekly from petal until six weeks later. Furthermore, according to the data obtained, when there is a second generation of P. kellyanus nymphs, this is generally more damaging. Pezothrips kellyanus nymphs showed a clear preference for fruit located at the top of the trees, which coincided with the highest percentage of damaged fruit in this area. P. kellyanus nymphs were uniformly distributed and the cardinal directions and time of day does not seem to be an important factor to develop a sampling plan or to spray insecticides. The next objective was to determine the efficacy of three insecticides (chlorpyrifos, spinosad and spirotetramat) to control P. kellyanus nymphs. These insecticides were selected because of their different mode of action. Chlorpyrifos and spinosad significantly reduced the percentage of damaged fruit when there was one generation of nymphs. However, their persistence was not enough to prevent the attack of a second generation of nymphs. Spirotetramat had not a shock effect against this pest and it could not avoid the attack of a second generation. We analysed the side effects of these three insecticides on natural enemies present at the time of the treatment. Spinosad as spirotetramat negatively affected phytoseiids. Due to low populations of other natural enemies we could not assess the side effects on them. Therefore, we decided to study the side effects of these insecticides on coccinelids and parasitoids under laboratory conditions. Lethal and sublethal side effects of spirotetramat on adults and larvae of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were evaluated under laboratory conditions by topical application and by ingestion of treated individuals of Planococcus citri Risso (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Spirotetramat resulted harmless when directly applied on larvae and adults of C. montrouzieri, since it did not affect survival, longevity, fecundity, egg hatching, and offspring survival. When larvae and adults of C. Montrouzieri were fed with treated prey, spirotetramat was also classified as harmless. We studied lethal and sublethal effects of spirotetramat, spinosad and chlorpyrifos on Aphytis melinus DeBach (Aphelinidae Hymenoptera), the main parasitoid of Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemipteta: Diaspididae). For A. melinus adults, chlorpyrifos and spinosad were classified as toxic but spirotetramat resulted moderately toxic. For immature (larvae), chlorpyrifos was moderately toxic, spirotetramat was slightly toxic and spinosad resulted harmless. Takin into consideration these results, spirotetramat could be used against P. kellyanus in orchards where population levels are low and an application against A. aurantii is also need because this insecticide shows high efficacy against this pest. / [ES] Pezothrips kellyanus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) es actualmente una plaga más en los cítricos valencianos, cuyas ninfas, al alimentarse de la superficie de los frutos recién cuajados, producen unas escarificaciones circulares alrededor del pedúnculo que devalúan el valor del fruto en el mercado. Hoy en día, el control químico es prácticamente la única alternativa contra este trips. Para mejorar la gestión integrada de P. kellyanus es necesario un mayor conocimiento sobre su biología y ecología en campo. Para ello, se ha seguido la dinámica poblacional de las ninfas de P. kellyanus durante el periodo en que los frutos recién cuajados son más sensibles a los daños producidos por las ninfas. Se ha estudiado la distribución de la plaga dentro de los árboles y su movimiento a lo largo del día, factores necesarios para estimar la población de trips y para afinar las aplicaciones de productos fitosanitarios. Tanto la dinámica como los daños variaron según parcelas y años. Tras la caída de pétalos se observaron una o dos generaciones de ninfas que produjeron daños en los frutos. Resultado que subraya la necesidad de realizar muestreos semanales desde la caída de pétalos hasta incluso después del tratamiento contra la primera generación. Además, según los datos obtenidos, cuando se da una segunda generación de P. Kellyanus, ésta es más dañina para los frutos. Las ninfas de P. kellyanus mostraron una preferencia por los frutos situados en la parte alta de la copa, coincidiendo con el mayor número de frutos dañados en esta zona. La distribución de las ninfas fue uniforme en las cuatro orientaciones del árbol y a lo largo del día. Por lo tanto, estos factores no parecen ser claves a la hora de desarrollar un plan de muestreo o realizar aplicaciones fitosanitarias. A continuación se determinó la eficacia de tres insecticidas (clorpirifos, spinosad y spirotetramat), con diferente modo de acción, en el control de las ninfas de P. kellyanus. Clorpirifos y spinosad redujeron significativamente el porcentaje de frutos dañados cuando se dio una sola generación de ninfas P. Kellyanus, sin embargo no evitaron el ataque de una segunda generación de ninfas. Spirotetramat no presentó un efecto de choque y no evitó el segundo ataque. En estos trabajos de campo, se analizaron los efectos secundarios de los insecticidas sobre los enemigos naturales presentes en el momento de los tratamientos. Spinosad como spirotetramat afectaron negativamente a las poblaciones fitoseidos en campo. Debido a las bajas poblaciones del resto de enemigos naturales no pudo evaluarse los efectos secundarios sobre ellos y se estudiaron en condiciones de laboratorio sobre coccinélidos y parasitoides. Se determinaron los efectos letales y subletales de spirotetramat en adultos y larvas de Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), por aplicación directa de los productos y por ingestión de presa, Planococcus citri Risso (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), previamente tratada por los productos. Spirotetramat resultó inocuo al aplicarse directamente sobre larvas o adultos de C. montrouzieri, y no afectó a la supervivencia, longevidad fecundidad, fertilidad y y supervivencia de la descendencia. Spirotetramat también resultó inocuo al alimentar a adultos y larvas de C. montrouzieri con presa previamente tratada. Se determinaron los efectos letales y subletales de los tres insecticidas sobre Aphytis melinus DeBach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), principal parasitoide de Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemipteta: Diaspididae) en cítricos. En adultos, clorpirifos y spinosad resultaron tóxicos mientras que spirotetramat resultó moderadamente tóxico. Sobre inmaduros de A. melinus, clorpirifos resultó moderadamente tóxico, spirotetramat ligeramente tóxico y spinosad inocuo. Así, spirotetramat se podría utilizar contra P. kellyanus en parcelas con niveles poblacionales bajos cuando deba tratarse también cont / [CA] Pezothrips kellyanus (Bagnall) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) és, actualment, una plaga més dels cítrics valencians. Les nimfes es refugien i s'alimenten de la superfície dels fruits recentment quallats que produeix unes escarificacions circulars al voltant del peduncle del fruit i devaluen el seu valor al mercat. Hui en dia, el control químic és pràcticament l'única alternativa contra aquest trips. Per poder millorar la gestió integrada de P. kellyanus és necessari un major coneixement sobre la seua biologia i ecologia en camp. Per a això, s'ha avaluat la dinàmica poblacional de les nimfes de P. kellyanus durant el període on els fruits recentment quallats són més sensibles als danys produïts per les nimfes. A més, s'ha estudiat la distribució de la plaga dins dels arbres i el seu moviment al llarg del dia, factors necessaris per a estimar la població de trips i per afinar les aplicacions de productes fitosanitaris. Tant la dinàmica com els danys van variar segons parcel¿les i anys, després de la caiguda de pètals es van observar una o dues generacions de nimfes que van produir danys als fruits. Aquest resultat subratlla la necessitat de realitzar mostrejos setmanals des de la caiguda de pètals fins i tot després del tractament contra la primera generació. Segons les dades obtingudes, quan es dóna una segona generació de P. kellyanus, aquesta és més perjudicial per als fruits. Les nimfes van mostrar un clara preferència pels fruits situats a la part alta de la copa, coincidint amb el major nombre de fruits danyats en aquesta zona. No obstant això, la distribució de les nimfes va ser uniforme en les quatre orientacions de l'arbre i la seva abundància tampoc va variar al llarg del dia. Per tant, son factors que no semblen ser claus a l'hora de desenvolupar un pla de mostreig o realitzar aplicacions fitosanitàries. El següent objectiu va ser determinar l'eficàcia de tres insecticides (clorpirifos, spinosad i spirotetramat), amb acció diferent, en el control de les nimfes de P. kellyanus. Clorpirifos i spinosad van reduir significativament el percentatge de fruits danyats quan es va donar una sola generació de nimfes, però no varen evitar l'atac d'una segona generació de nimfes. Spirotetramat no va presentar un efecte de xoc contra aquesta plaga i tampoc va evitar l'atac d'una segona generació. En aquests treballs de camp, se va analitzar els efectes secundaris d'aquests tres insecticides sobre els enemics naturals presents en el moment dels tractaments. Spinosad i spirotetramat van afectar negativament les poblacions fitoseids en camp. Com varen ser baixes les poblacions de la resta d'enemics naturals es va estudiar els efectes secundaris sobre coccinélids i parasitoids en condicions de laboratori. Es varen determinar els efectes letals i subletals de spirotetramat en adults i larves de Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) per aplicació directa dels productes i per ingestió de presa, Planococcus citri Risso (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), prèviament tractada pels productes. Spirotetramat va resultar innocu a la aplicació directa sobre larves o adults de C. montrouzieri, no va afectar la supervivència, longevitat fecunditat, fertilitat i supervivència de la descendència. I el mateix quan adults i larves de van ser alimentats amb presa prèviament tractada. Finalment, es van determinar els efectes letals i subletals dels tres insecticides sobre Aphytis melinus DeBach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), principal parasitoid de Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemipteta: Diaspididae) en cítrics. En adults, clorpirifos i spinosad van resultar tòxics, spirotetramat va resultar moderadament tòxic. Sobre immadurs de A melinus, clorpirifos va resultar moderadament tòxic, spirotetramat lleugerament tòxic i spinosad innocu. Així, spirotetramat es podria utilitzar contra P. kellyanus en parcel¿les amb nivells poblacionals baixos aprofitant el tractament contra A. aurantii al p / Planes Insa, L. (2016). BASES PARA LA GESTIÓN INTEGRADA DE PEZOTHRIPS KELLYANUS (BAGNALL) (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE) EN CÍTRICOS [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/63676 / Compendio

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1985 A37 / Master of Science

Because of a continuous increase in the demand for electricity in South Africa the country’s largest electricity utility (Eskom) has been under strain to provide electricity. An expansion programme to generate more electricity has caused a continuous increase in utility costs. Steep electricity tariff increases have forced large electricity consumers, such as the mining industry, to focus on energy efficiency and demand side management (DSM). More recently, large industrial action has affected the marginality of the mining industry in such a way that mining groups were forced to cut down on production cost and even sell mining shafts. A solution has to be found to improve the marginality of these mines. DSM intervention on mine water reticulation systems has shown great promise in the past and has been implemented on many South African mines with great success. Many mines with smaller systems have not been optimised because the priority of DSM intervention was to achieve the largest saving; therefore, larger systems enjoyed priority over smaller systems. This only added to the increased financial pressure on already marginal mines. In this study the operation of a mine water reticulation system will be studied to identify the most efficient DSM interventions to implement. DSM intervention on dewatering-, refrigeration- and water distribution systems will be investigated to get a better understanding of the functions of these operations. Previous project data will be analysed to create tools that would assist in the decision-making process for DSM intervention regarding saving potential, cost benefit and cost implication. This data would ultimately assist in determining a project’s payback period that is used to prioritise DSM intervention applications. A mining group will be analysed to identify possible DSM intervention potential. The systems will be investigated and the best strategy for DSM intervention will be selected. This study will conclude that it is financially feasible to implement DSM interventions on marginal mines’ dewatering systems. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

An ever-expanding global industry focuses attention on energy supply and use. Cost-effective electrical energy production and reduced consumption pave the way for this expansion. Eskom’s demand-side management (DSM) initiative provides the opportunity for reduced electricity consumption with cost-effective implementation for their respective clients. South African gold mines have to extend their operations to up to 4000 m below the surface to maintain profitable operations. Deep-level mining therefore requires large and energy-intensive cooling installations to provide safe working conditions. These installations generally consist of industrial chillers, cooling towers, bulk air coolers and water transport systems. All of these components operate in unison to provide chilled service water and cooled ventilation air underground. In this study the improved energy efficiency and control of a South African gold mine’s cooling plant is investigated. The plant is separated into a primary and secondary cooling load, resulting in a cascading cooling system. Necessary research was conducted to determine the optimal solution to improve the plant’s performance and electrical energy usage. Variable speed drives (VSD) were installed on the chiller evaporator and condenser water pumps to provide variable flow control of the water through the chillers, resulting in reduced motor electricity usage. Potential electricity savings were simulated. Proposed savings were estimated at 600 kW (13.6%) daily, with an expected saving of R 2 275 000 yearly, resulting in a payback period of less than 9 months. Results indicated are based on total savings, as VSD savings and control savings were combined. The VSDs that were installed, were controlled according to an optimum simulation model’s philosophy. A real-time energy management program was used to control the VSDs and monitor the respective systems. The program’s remote capabilities allow for off-site monitoring and control adjustments. A control strategy, which was implemented using the management program, is discussed. Energy efficiency was achieved through the respective installations and control improvements. The results were analysed over an assessment period of three months to determine the viability of the intervention. A newly installed Bulk Air Cooler (BAC) added to the service delivery of the cooling plant post installation of the VSDs. Focusing on service delivery to underground showed a savings of 1.7 MW (33.6%) daily and a payback period of 3.6 months (0.3 years). The overall implementation showed an average energy saving of 2.3 MW (47.1%) daily, with the result that a daily saving of R 23 988.20 was experienced, reducing the payback period to 2.3 months (0.2 years). Through the installation of energy-efficiency technology and a suitable control philosophy, a cost-effective, energy-efficiency improvement was created on the case-study cooling plant. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Major energy-consuming countries implemented new laws on energy-efficiency during the course of 2013. The new energy-efficiency law make provision for a 16% reduction in energy intensity by 2015 in China. New law in the United States of America requires new fuel-economy standards. European Union law aims for a cut of 20% in energy demand for the countries forming part of the European Union. Japan, with the country's new energy strategy aims to decrease electricity demand with 10% by 2030 as stipulated in the new energy strategy. South Arica is currently experiencing a shortage in electricity generating capacity and operates within its reserve margin. The construction of new power stations is in process to address the shortage but Eskom must finance these assets by increasing the electricity tariff. Electricity prices are predicted to double from 2013 to 2017. In addition to the tariff increases, the Energy Conservation Scheme (ECS) is also planned by Eskom whereby all electricity consumers have to reduce their electricity consumption by 10% or face penalties. Energy efficiency initiatives in South Africa will help meet some of the country's social, economic, and environmental goals. These initiatives are important as they immediately tackle the problem of electricity shortages and are a cost-effective way of increasing available electricity supply. The aim of this study was to determine the need for businesses in the Vaal Triangle to be resource efficient and practice clean production in order to be able to capitalise on that need. With the current knowledge and technology available, Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production (RECP) will prove to be a future necessity for industry. To determine the perceived readiness towards a green economy contribution is thus of importance. The study did a review on RECP, energy efficiency, supply of energy in South Africa, focus areas for energy efficiency and the benefits thereof. The study discussed energy efficiency incentive schemes and subsidisation funds available in South Africa. The study assessed the primary fields for RECP, the drivers and barriers to RECP and the willingness to participate in RECP initiatives in the Vaal Triangle. The study concluded that there exists a need in the Vaal Triangle for RECP initiatives and that there exists potential for the start of a green economy in the region. The research indicated the reaction towards RECP initiatives to be very positive in the studied region. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Energy services companies (ESCOs) typically implement energy management systems (EMSs) as part of Demand-Side Management (DSM) projects on South African mines. After DSM project completion, the mine becomes responsible for maintaining the performance of the EMS. Due to a lack of experience in using specialised EMSs, mines typically contract ESCOs for EMS maintenance. However, maintaining a large number of EMSs remotely is a resource-intensive task because of time wasted on daily monitoring and travelling to perform on-site maintenance. For the same reason, remote maintenance technologies have become widely used to maintain cellular devices, vehicles and industrial equipment. Mine EMSs typically control production-critical systems that in turn ensure safe working conditions underground. EMSs execute highly specialised control philosophies to achieve electrical energy management, while ensuring safe and productive system operation. None of the work done on remote maintenance, however, provides an integrated solution to maintain the performance of a growing number of these specialised EMSs. As part of this study, a supervisory system was developed to optimise remote maintenance of different EMS technologies. The supervisory system builds on the fundamentals of existing remote maintenance technologies, complemented by comprehensive diagnostics of specialised EMS technologies. This is possible through automated diagnostics of EMS components, the control philosophy and overall EMS performance. Maintenance management forms part of the supervisory system to ensure that maintenance is performed with optimal efficiency. A system implementation was executed to prove the feasibility of the supervisory system. The functional operation of the system was verified with pre-set scenarios that simulated day-to-day operation and common fault diagnostic events. As part of the case studies conducted for this thesis, the supervisory system was integrated with three distinct EMS technologies implemented on South African mines. To support the results of these case studies, the system validation was extended through integrations with seven additional EMSs. For the first time, a supervisory assessed the condition of the EMS components, the control philosophy and DSM performance comprehensively. The results (obtained over a period of more than six months) indicated that the average operational availability of EMS components improved from 90% to 97%. The average EMS performance improved from 1.8 MW to 2.5 MW, an improvement of 39%. The resulting electricity cost reduction achieved on the case studies accumulated to approximately R6 million during the respective assessment periods. The supervisory system facilitated efficient EMS maintenance, thus reducing the risk of unsafe working conditions and production interruptions. The system also allowed maintenance personnel to improve the diagnostic process continually, thus aligning with the standards documented in ISO 50001:2011 (ISO, 2011) regarding continual improvement of electrical energy management initiatives. The new supervisory system is scalable, thus an ESCO can maintain the performance of a growing number of EMSs remotely. Results of this study support further supervisory system integration with compatible EMS technologies, and expansion to new EMS technologies. The modular design of the supervisory system provides a basis for the development of a cross-industry platform for maintaining EMS performance. / PhD (Computer and Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) supply potable water which is transferred by pumps to various end users. WTPs and other sub-systems are energy intensive with pump installed capacities varying between 75 kW – 6 000 kW. It has therefore become important to optimise the utilisation of WTPs. Cost savings can be achieved and the load on the national grid can be reduced. The aim of this study is to develop and implement load management strategies on a municipal WTP. In this investigation the high lift pumps are deemed to be the largest consumers of electricity. Strategies to safely implement load management on a WTP were researched. By optimising the operations of the pumps, significant cost savings can be achieved. Comparisons between different electricity tariff structures were done. It was found plausible to save R 990 000 annually, on a pumping station with four 1 000 kW pumps installed, when switching to a time-of-use dependent tariff structure. Strategies to optimise plant utilisation while attempting a load management study include the optimisation of filter washing methods and raw water operations. An increase of 34% in efficiency for a filter backwash cycle was achieved. To accommodate the effects of the load management on the WTP, the operation of valves that allow water to distribute within the plant was also optimised. The implemented control strategies aimed to accomplish the full utilisation of the WTP and sub-systems to achieve savings. An average evening peak period load shift impact of 2.21 MW was achieved. Due to filter modifications the plant is able to supply 5% more water daily. A conclusion is drawn regarding the success of the strategies implemented. Recommendations are made for further research. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Global energy constraints and economic conditions have placed large energy consumers under pressure to conserve resources. Several governments have acknowledged this and have employed policies to address energy shortages. In South Africa, the lacking electrical infrastructure caused severe electricity supply shortages during recent years. To alleviate the shortage, the government has revised numerous energy policies. Consumers stand to gain nancially if they embrace the opportunities o ered by the revised policies. Energy management systems provide a framework that ensures alignment with speci cations of the respective programs. Such a system requires a data consolidation platform to import and manage relevant data. A stored combination of consumption data, production data and nancial data can be used to extract information for numerous reporting applications. This study discusses the development of a data consolidation platform. The platform is used to collect and maintain energy related data. The platform is capable of consolidating a wide range of energy and production data into a single data set. The generic platform architecture o ers users the ability to manage a wide range of data from several sources. In order to generate reports, the platform was integrated with an existing software based energy management system. The integrated system provides a web-based interface that allows the generation and distribution of various reports. To do this the system accesses the consolidated data set. The developed energy information tool is used by an ESCo to gather and consolidate data from multiple client systems into a single repository. Speci c reports are generated by the integrated system and can be targeted at both consumers and governing bodies. The system complies with draft legislative guidelines and has been successfully implemented as a energy information tool in practice. / MIng (Computer and Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015