ENERGY ACCESS
Since 1994 South Africa has introduced many laudable and strong pro-poor policies, notably an impressive electrification and housing programme. We are now 87% electrified compared to 36% in 1996. Despite this, we have not reached the goal of universal access. If the country is to achieve a reduction in energy poverty and reach its goal of 100% electrification, policy and regulatory frameworks, and resources to support energy service delivery and implementation, need to be reviewed.
Energy Access


Since 1994 South Africa has introduced many laudable and strong pro-poor policies, notably an impressive electrification and housing programme. We are now 87% electrified compared to 36% in 1996. Despite this, we have not reached the goal of universal access. If the country is to achieve a reduction in energy poverty and reach its goal of 100% electrification, policy and regulatory frameworks, and resources to support energy service delivery and implementation, need to be reviewed.
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Department of Energy Non-Grid Electrification Policy Guidelines
The objective of this document is to provide policy guidelines for the provision of non-grid electrification to households as part of the Integrated National Electrification Programme. (Department of Energy, 2012)
0.13MbDownloadAlleviating Urban Energy Poverty in the Informal Sector: the Role for Local Government
This paper sets out to explore the challenges of energy service delivery in informal settlements through developmental local government approaches. It concludes that these developmental challenges require transformation at multiple levels of government in order to fulfil the constitutional objectives of poverty alleviation and to promote development and growth in South Africa. At the local level, responsive solutions and capacity is required, while at the macro-level, strengthened leadership and enhanced intergovernmental coordination is required to change the status quo. (Wolpe, P. & Reddy, Y., Sustainable Energy Africa, 2012)
3.95MbDownloadEnergising Urban South Africa: Poverty, Sustainability and Future Cities
This paper focuses on the energy dimension of urban sustainable development through three key themes that are central to socially acceptable, resource efficient future cities: 1) the spatial form of cities, 2) transport and 3) electricity provision to informal settlements. (Wolpe P., Reddy, Y. & Euston-Brown, M., 2013)
0.56MbDownloadSurvey of Energy-Related Behaviour and Perceptions in SA: Residential Sector (2012)
The primary objective of this survey was to gather information about household energy-related behaviour in South Africa; exploring multiple energy use and energy poverty. (Department of Energy, 2012)
2.57MbDownloadPlan to Achieve Universal Access to Electricity by 2012
A masterplan / business plan for achieving universal access to electricity. (Department of Minerals and Energy, 2007)
1.02MbDownloadInformal Electrification in South Africa: Experiences, Opportunities and Challenges
An overview of experiences, lessons and challenges with informal electrification in South Africa, drawing primarily on eThekwini and Cape Town’s informal electrification programmes. (Sustainable Energy Africa, 2012)
0.78MbDownloadEstimating Emissions Associated with Universal Access to Electricity
This paper by Louise Tait and Harald Winkler estimates the electricity demand from the residential sector to 2020 resulting from universal access, would constitute only a small addition to total electricity demand. Furthermore, emissions from the additional electricity consumed by newly connected households would have a negligible impact on South Africa’s emissions profile. (Tait and Winkler, 2012)
1.06MbDownloadState of Energy in South African Cities 2011
This report produced by the City Energy Support Unit of Sustainable Energy Africa provides an update on the 2006 report. It attempts to contribute to the body of work detailing and documenting city work and the policy arena relating to energy development. (SEA, 2011)
5.69mbDownloadPolicy Guidelines for the Electrification of Unproclaimed Areas
The objective of this 2011 document is to provide clear guidelines regarding the electrification of unproclaimed areas/ informal settlements as part of the Integrated National Electrification Programme. (Department of Energy, 2011)
0.07MbDownloadApproaches to Minimise the Impact of Electricity Price Increases on the Poor
Establishing a framework for protecting poor households through tariff and subsidy design, in the context of increasing costs, is the primary focus of this study, as it is these measures that will have the greatest impact on poor households. (Palmer Development Group, 2010)
1.86MbDownload