The light on the other side of loadshedding

Recent loadshedding activity has led 90% of South Africans to cut down on electricity usage, according to a recent survey conducted by global marketing research company, Synovate.

The survey found that South Africans around the country are employing various electricity saving methods. Some of the survey’s findings include the following:

12% of all respondents are using their stoves less often 19% switch off their electric appliances as opposed to leaving them on stand-by 45% switch of their geysers when not in use According to the survey other energy saving methods employed by South Africans include lowering the temperature of their geysers, covering geysers with insulation blankets and even sharing baths!

While alternative energy sources such as generators and solar panels have always been the preferred method by environmentalists, these have only recently become a viable option for 35% of South Africans.

However, when it comes to actual use of alternative energy sources the survey revealed the following

Only 37% of Cape Town and Johannesburg respondents actually use some form of alternative energy. Only 5% of respondents use a generator to provide them with electricity when the lights go out. A marginal 3% use solar power as an alternative energy and this is mostly made up of Durban respondents who enjoy sunny weather most of the year. Figures are expected to climb if subsidies for alternative energy are introduced.

What do we do?

With regards to the ways in which the electricity crisis could be solved, South Africans demonstrated an assertive approach to addressing the country’s problems. At the time the study was conducted,

43% agreed that electricity prices should be hiked so as to build more power stations and increase the supply of electricity. 59% of respondents said that power rationing and fining those who exceed their quota will work as a solution. 79% of respondents believe that reducing the cost of solar and other alternative energy supplies would make a considerable difference 57% agreed with the proposal to install a remotely operated switch on household geysers. While 40% of respondents reported a less active social life, it seems that South African have largely learnt how to deal with loadshedding. In addition the survey shows that South Africans have welcomed the opportunity to explore and invest in more environmentally friendly ways of using electricity.

-Good News south africa