SOUTH AFRICA could save up to R3.7-billion per year by changing completely to solar-powered energy-efficient light bulbs.
This is according to a report from the UN Environment Programme, which assessed what gains could be achieved by 80 countries should they shift to solar-powered alternatives. Should South Africa change over, the country would be able to repay the conversion costs in nine months.
Eskom currently produces most of the country's power by coal-fired power stations. It is currently applying to the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) for a 16% year-on-year increase for the next five years.
According to the UN report, the country could reduce its energy production costs from R13.17-billion to just over R8.9-billion.
The transition could also lead to a saving of 3.7% of total national electricity consumption.
Eskom is currently running the 49M campaign to inspire South Africans to change to energy-efficient light sources.
Sibusiso Duma, spokesman for the 49M, said yesterday that a recent evaluation conducted by Ask Africa, a research company in Johannesburg, showed that efficient energy use has become the norm in most South African households.
'Solar energy could save SA billions'
SOUTH AFRICA could save up to R3.7-billion per year by changing completely to solar-powered energy-efficient light bulbs.
This is according to a report from the UN Environment Programme, which assessed what gains could be achieved by 80 countries should they shift to solar-powered alternatives. Should South Africa change over, the country would be able to repay the conversion costs in nine months.
Eskom currently produces most of the country's power by coal-fired power stations. It is currently applying to the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) for a 16% year-on-year increase for the next five years.
According to the UN report, the country could reduce its energy production costs from R13.17-billion to just over R8.9-billion.
The transition could also lead to a saving of 3.7% of total national electricity consumption.
Eskom is currently running the 49M campaign to inspire South Africans to change to energy-efficient light sources.
Sibusiso Duma, spokesman for the 49M, said yesterday that a recent evaluation conducted by Ask Africa, a research company in Johannesburg, showed that efficient energy use has become the norm in most South African households.