Chamber tells governments its resource plan is ‘unrealistic and defective’
The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the 2016 draft Integrated Resource Plan for future energy planning is ill-advised and could damage the economy
The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned the government on Thursday that using the "unrealistic and defective" draft 2016 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for future energy planning would be ill-advised and could damage the economy. The Department of Energy released the draft plan late last year for public comment. In its formal letter of objection to the department, the chamber’s president, Janine Myburgh, highlighted the over-estimate of future demand for electricity as a particular concern, as well as some of the assumptions on the costs of generating electricity. The chamber said the 2010 IRP had over-estimated future electricity demand by 32%. Among the main reasons for this was the lack of economic growth caused, in part, by Eskom’s high tariffs which had forced companies and domestic consumers to find ways to use less electricity. The increase in the embedded generation of roof-top solar also contributed to the over-estimation. In its submission the chamber also said re...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.