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Energy costs are increasing rapidly due to electricity price hikes, coal increases and rand exchange rate based crude oil derivatives such as diesel and LPG fluctuate repeatedly. Simultaneously the complexity of energy matters has expanded from new energy efficient technologies through to changing legislation.

Thus, business owners and managers can no longer ignore energy as simply a monthly bill that is paid by the accountant. Rather they need to optimise both the costs and use of energy in their businesses. Most, though, are not energy specialists raising the need for a confidential, trustworthy and independent energy advisory service.

An analysis of our support to over 50 businesses showed the potential savings on the annual total energy spend of R131 million was R42 million or 34%!:The following graphs shows areas where savings are possible together with the cost obtain the saving.

Globally there are still 1.3 billion people without access to electricity and an incredible 3 billion still without access to modern thermal fuels in other words still using traditional fuels. Despite all of mankind’s technological advances the real delivering of modern energy is lagging well behind.

• Implementable and practical country or regional level plans that have the support of stakeholders is a vital pre requisite for any substantive energy upliftment for the poor. There is clear evidence showing countries and regions that have taken these difficult, yet effective, decisions and have shown real delivery impact.
• A multi-fuel energisation approach is need so address the three A’s of energy for the poor – affordability, accessibility and acceptability. The approach advocates that energy needs are addressed concurrently (i.e. not just a PV panel for lights and TV) and that multiple fuels are often needed to meet these needs in an affordable and sustainable manner.
• Despite years of work and development, delivery of modern energy services to the poor is generally failing and now stands at a crossroads. Most work is focused on the development of technologies and the trials in the interest of other stakeholders. What is needed is large scale roll out!

More than ever electricity utilities are facing head winds, including shortages of generation capacity, growing pressure to electrify large numbers of customers, financial squeeze, and generally a lack of capacity to deliver both as the supplier of last resort and as cornerstones of national growth.

Normal utility response and thinking is to invest in generation plant, connect IPP’s, construct networks and to focus on increasing customer revenue. This thinking stems from the concept that utilities supply to every meter, what customers choose to do with the power is their problem as long as they pay.

Despite being around for years Demand Side Management (DSM) is misunderstood additional strategy in the utility manager’s hand to help in resolving these challenges. In fact it could be said that utilities who do not embrace beyond the meter or demand side actions will not survive! This forgotten step-sister, enables utilities understand how customer use power, appreciate the profitability or margin on every kWh sold and then work towards managing the usage to optimise returns!