Greening the electricity sector : barriers to the successful implementation of energy efficiency initiatives in South African Municipalities

MSc (Environmental Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus

Introduction: Greening of the electricity sector is one of the key critical responses to the pressing climate change, economic development, and electricity security challenges facing South African municipalities. The efficient use of electricity can be called green electricity. Many researchers have accepted that greening the electricity sector through energy efficiency improvement is one of the most cost-effective approaches toward sustainable electricity supply and reduction of the continuously increasing electricity consumption. This study contributes to a further understanding of how to pursue improvement in energy efficiency by describing and classifying barriers that hinder the successful implementation of energy efficiency initiatives in specific South African municipalities. Aim: Stemming from the earlier work of Sorrell et al. (2000), this study aimed to describe and classify barriers that hinder the improvement of energy efficiency initiatives in specific South African municipalities. Furthermore, the study provided an overview of how municipalities can respond proactively to these barriers in the electricity sector. It is targeted at municipal energy professionals in selected municipalities. Methods: An exploratory sequential mixed-method approach was employed in conducting the study. The data collection method employed a self-administered interview questionnaire to gather information from municipal energy professionals. Data analysis methods included the use of thematic analysis for analysing qualitative data. A 5-point Likert scale was converted to a 3-point Likert scale to interpret and analyse quantitative data. Results: The results from the research have shown that there exist several barriers to energy efficiency in South African municipalities. The research classified barriers into three categories, and fourteen theoretical barriers, i.e., (i) technical (with two important barriers), (ii) economic (with four important barriers) and (iii) governance (with eight important barriers). The findings of the study showed that limited access to internal funding for energy efficiency projects was the largest barrier affecting the improvement of energy efficiency in selected municipalities. Conclusion: The findings from this study underscore the importance of addressing energy efficiency barriers for the improvement of electricity management in the municipalities. In addition, the importance of the linkages and interaction of barriers was highlighted. A holistic and systematic approach to energy efficiency is important in overcoming the barriers to energy efficiency.

Masters