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A request to commence an investigation into the use and generation of alternative energy supplies was adopted by the Stellenbosch Council on 27 January 2021, effectively putting Stellenbosch Municipality on the map as one of the front runners in co-generating electricity to keep the lights on when Eskom failed to do so.
“We signed memorandums of understanding with the Western Cape Government as well as Stellenbosch University and the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to launch a joint scientific investigation into the need, viability and opportunities available to us by focusing on various potential sources of energy, including: . Solar panels (PV panels);. Methane gas conversion at our landfill sites;. Allowing the public to generate electricity and sell this to the municipality;. Purchasing electricity directly from registered IPPs;. The selling of electricity to willing buyers from outside our municipal area.
The promulgation of Electricity Regulation Act regulations governing “new generation capacity” in October 2020 further opened the door for municipalities to start investigating how they can generate their own electricity and purchase electricity from independent power producers (IPPs).
“It is wonderful to see there are already around 100 private organisations and residents generating roughly 1 MW of electricity through solar panels in our municipal area,” Van Deventer said. “While we still have a long way to go, great progress is being made. I want to assure all residents that any decisions taken on our approach are open for public discussion before an open council, and they are made with their best interests at heart.
“Finally, it is important to note we implement this programme in stages, to ensure we can afford it and not place undue stress on our budget.”
