Demonstration of Housing Energisation

to Reduce Climate Change

A project sponsored by

US AID and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism

Project Results (continued)

>   Community Micro-enterprise, Job Creation & Training

The Switch On business is self-sustaining. Its establishment not only allows the basic energy services to be provided to rural customers, but also offers access to other energy sources and appliances that have been brought into the area. It represents the basis for other micro-enterprise, especially as demand increases for LP gas and a wider range of energy products. The four local residents who comprise the Switch On team were all previously unemployed. They have been trained in the technical aspects of installing, maintaining and handling solar home systems and LP gas, as well as the basics of running their own business. Customers and residents are happy with the team and the service they give. They believe that the team members work hard, are well trained and enjoy their work and "do not complain" when called out repeatedly.

"They even help if there is a new appliance that you want to add. Definitely they come to help and never say we did tell or show you how to operate this." "We can see that they care for us" "I like them because they show that they know their work very well and they even enjoy doing this work."

>   Increased Economic Activity

The indirect benefits of the project may be more difficult to quantify, but should not be overlooked. Wherever possible local suppliers have been used and supported. This has meant cash inflow for the area for stock, tools, vehicle repairs and maintenance, accommodation and catering. All most without exception small or micro enterprises have been the beneficiaries of this spend.

>  Improved Health, Safety & Lifestyle

The most obvious results for customers is the positive impact the Switch On energy system has on their health, safety and lifestyle. The system has also made their lives easier, they no longer need to wake up early in the mornings to make fires for cooking, and the children can sleep later as well as have better light for studying. The economic benefits were also appreciated, as they no longer need to buy candles as a source of light or paraffin for cooking.

"This has made our lives easier ... now we are saving, we no longer buy candles, paraffin and collect wood."		"...the major driver for the uptake of LPG reported was 'convenience'... linked to ease of use, hazards (such as snake bites) associated with wood collection, and reduction in the time necessary to collect wood." Report of ERI, Aug 2003
"They do not have to make the wood fire, blowing and blowing for the fire to burn... but they just switch on the gas stove."

>   Environmental Improvement

Prior to the project intervention the largest fuel source used in the community was fuel wood, most of which was collected from the surrounding environment. The introduction of LP gas for cooking, as well as the solar home system, has significantly improved the environment of individual households.

The customer base in this project may be too small to have a major effect on the local or global environment, but the willingness of customers to switch from their traditional energy sources has been clearly seen and measured. A larger market for these modern, alternative energy sources is also evident. On this basis, there is great potential for replication to achieve a significant contribution to climate change mitigation.
Climate Change Mitigation "The introduction of LPG had the most significant effect in terms of GHG mitigation".