PUBLISHED 12 DEC 2009
The public outcry at Eskom’s proposed
additional large scale increases in the electricity price means these
are likely to be toned down by the National Energy Regulator, but it’s
already clear from market feedback that energy efficient residential
properties are in demand and will become increasingly so.
Colleen Gray, MD of CENTURY 21 South Africa, says that adequate
provision for emergency back-up power and uninterruptible power supply
(UPS) will also give properties an edge in the marketplace,
particularly if the Small Office Home Office (SOHO) trend gathers
renewed momentum.
“We have had a relatively stable power supply situation for some time
now, ironically helped by the economic slowdown which has reduced
demand and increased Eskom’s reserves.
“However as the economy gathers steam again, power demand will
naturally increase and we are still a long way from seeing the first of
the new mega power stations come into operation. Power supplies could
therefore become more erratic and I would expect to see demand for
energy-independent properties growing proportionately.”
And in this scenario, she says, it would surely make sense to
incentivise low-energy homes. “In the UK for instance, there are tax
allowances for energy saving devices and improvements and every house
sold has to be rated for its energy efficiency and is priced
accordingly.
“There is no indication yet of similar moves by the SA government on
this issue – other than threats to impose premiums on over-usage. To
its credit, though, Eskom has taken the initiative by subsidising the
installation of solar geysers.
“We also hear that Eskom has identified 200 energy-saving specialist
companies countrywide for co-operation with its demand-side management
division in prioritising energy audits for non-residential
property-owners. It’s time we saw something similar in terms of
residential property.
“In fact, what is called for is a national strategy rather than the ad
hoc attempts by disparate role players to save energy in homes.
Government’s National Energy White Paper, due shortly, may point the
way but in the interim the widespread belief will persist that huge
electricity price increases could be avoided if more energy-saving
incentives for property owners could be introduced.“
Source: Property Trader
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