Tag: CBI-electric
The Schuko ban misconception – what contractors need to know
Ongoing confusion within South Africa's electrical sector has led to claims that all Schuko sockets are banned. The situation is far more nuanced. This ongoing misunderstanding continues to affect product sales, Certificate of Compliance (COC) approvals and appliance imports. As the Schuko ban misconception spreads, uncertainty grows across the value chain.
How businesses can go on an energy diet that works
South Africa’s total energy capacity of 54.6 GW (excluding imports) should theoretically be sufficient for energy security and spare generating capacity, but it is not - as evidenced by record-level load shedding in 2022 and 2023. This was highlighted in the recently released Africa Energy Review 2023 report by PwC, which noted that the country is trying to remedy the situation by transitioning away from coal-generated power to renewables and gas – and even (to many experts’ dismay) nuclear.
Counterfeit electrical products – a grave threat to lives and homes
Smoke, fire, and flames claim numerous lives in South Africa, ranking among the top causes of death. In addition, the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa has reported that almost one-tenth of all fires stem from electrical sources. However, many South Africans are unaware that counterfeit electrical products play a major role in fuelling these incidents.
Unmanaged energy consumption is now a real threat to businesses
Last year, South African businesses were spared from Eskom’s proposed 32% tariff hike, which would have come into effect from 1 April 2023, with energy regulator National Energy Regulator (NERSA) postponing its decision on this for the next two financial years.
