Press Coverage

Media Alternatives - A critical analysis of South Africa's energy transition and the urgent need for Energy To The Home (ETTH) solutions that bypass monopolistic control and empower communities through open net metering and smart grid technology.

While 20,000 Capetonians attended the Solar & Storage Convention at CTICC, residents of Lavender Hill and Steenberg protested against prepaid meters, highlighting the stark "energy divide" between those who can afford solar solutions and those left behind by the current system.

The article critiques the recent Electricity Regulation Act amendment, arguing that while it allows Independent Power Producers to compete with Eskom, it maintains the problematic pyramid scheme of bulk electricity sales through Metros and Municipalities to end consumers.

Key ETTH demands include:

• Open net metering with smart connectivity
• Time-of-use consumption and autobidding capabilities
• Direct energy sales to consumers, bypassing monopolistic intermediaries
• Home automation integration for demand management
• Collective housing schemes for community energy generation

The article envisions a future where households can charge batteries when energy is cheaper and use storage during peak expensive periods, with incentives for electric vehicles charged by renewable energy - solutions that could benefit both affluent areas and communities like Lavender Hill through collective energy schemes.

Africa Press - Residents of Muizenberg are exploring innovative solutions to combat the ongoing load-shedding crisis that has plagued South Africa. A proposed electricity cooperative is gaining momentum as community members seek to take control of their energy future.

The initiative represents a grassroots approach to energy independence, with local residents coming together to develop sustainable, community-owned power generation and distribution systems. This cooperative model aims to reduce dependence on the national grid while providing reliable electricity to participating households and businesses.

Key features of the proposed cooperative include:

• Community-owned renewable energy systems
• Battery storage solutions for energy resilience
• Collective bargaining for better energy rates
• Educational programs on sustainable energy
• Local job creation in the green energy sector

The cooperative model follows the seven international cooperative principles, ensuring democratic governance, member economic participation, and concern for community. This approach has proven successful in various countries facing similar energy challenges.

TimesLive - The future of energy took center stage at the Muizenberg Unconference, showcasing innovative approaches to community-driven energy solutions and cooperative development.

The unconference format provided an open platform for community members, energy experts, and sustainability advocates to discuss practical solutions to South Africa's energy challenges. The event highlighted the potential of local energy cooperatives and community-owned renewable energy systems.

Key discussion topics included:

• Community energy microgrids and local power generation
• Cooperative governance models for energy projects
• Sustainable technology solutions for residential energy
• Educational initiatives for energy literacy

Press Release - A comprehensive analysis of how electricity provision can transition from centralized utility models to community-owned cooperative structures, building on democratic principles and local governance.

This press release explores the potential for electricity cooperatives to address South Africa's energy challenges through decentralized, community-driven solutions. The document outlines practical steps for transitioning energy provision to the commons.

Key themes addressed include:

• Democratic governance models for energy cooperatives
• Community ownership of energy infrastructure
• Transition strategies from centralized to distributed energy
• Economic benefits of cooperative energy models
• Policy frameworks supporting energy commons

The press release builds on previous work exploring how cooperative principles can be applied to essential services, particularly electricity provision, to create more resilient and equitable energy systems.