Newsletter Issue 2 February 2019
PROJECT MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 2nd edition of the S&L Newsletter – keeping stakeholders and partners informed about significant project developments and successes, at a glance.
What we began together in 2018 is already bearing fruit; and thank you all! We’ve hit the ground running in 2019; and it’s quickly building into a big year, with much to report and look forward to.
Firstly, the energy efficiency survey and competition has been a great success – proving that our social media awareness footprint is growing exponentially. Over 5 000 entries were received which yielded outstanding market insights! 80% of respondents recognise the EE label and close to 90% find it useful. Most importantly, energy efficiency beat both guarantee and price as a key purchasing consideration – which is very encouraging indeed! A short graphic summary of survey results can be accessed via this link: http://bit.ly/2St5EPv
The survey results are being evaluated by a research analyst and we’ll report back with more critical insights in the next edition – together with particulars of delighted competition winners from towns, cities and provinces around the country!
Secondly, the S&L project is receiving its rightful recognition and was featured at the UNFCCC COP 24 climate summit in Poland. The entire COP 24 magazine can be accessed via this link:https://ipeec.org/upload/publication_related_language/pdf/876.pdf. It makes for interesting reading with many international insights, and we appear on page 32.
Thirdly, we are consolidating the comments on the tightening of the MEPS. Thank you to those of you who attended the November workshop. Detailed feedback will be provided in the next newsletter.
Fourthly, work on phase 1 of the appliance product registration database (as discussed in the previous issue) is almost complete; with User Acceptance Testing taking place on the 15th of February. The objective is to undertake combined system testing by developers and stakeholders, so as to provide final inputs before roll-out begins. This will include NRCS inspectors, two representatives from large appliances and one each from AC and lighting. We anticipate positive results and will continue discussing the database’s progress in upcoming issues.
And finally, for those who are not aware, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my colleagues at the Department of Energy.
Theo Covary
Director for Energy Efficiency
Xolile oversees the overall operation of the programme and the approval of all reporting – from policy framework development, to general management of the initiative.
S&L Project Administrator
Marcia is the liaison between the DoE and the UNDP and oversees the daily running of the project – including coordination of meetings, workshops and activations; minute-taking, travel arrangements, accounting and communication. Marcia is the first port of call and her contact details are: marcia.lephera@energy.gov.za or 012 406 7685
Project Manager Energy Efficiency Initiatives
Maphuti’s project management role includes policy development, communication and research, sourcing of international funding and technical support, institutional arrangements and management of stakeholder engagement.
“As the saying goes, the Stone Age did not end because we ran out of stones. We transformed to better solutions. The same opportunity lies before us with energy efficiency and clean energy”
-Steven Chu; Former US Secretary of Energy