Realising the Right to Electricity Through Off-Grid Power Solutions in South Africa

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2023/v26i0a15637

Keywords:

off-grid power, electricity, loadshedding, south africa, Right to electricity

Abstract

The South African government is navigating many basic municipal service delivery challenges, including a growing electricity supply deficit. Eskom Holdings SOC Limited, the state-owned power utility, is struggling to generate and supply a stable and uninterrupted flow of electricity through its grid system. The inadequate generation capacity results in rotating power outages, known as loadshedding, which occur when demand surpasses generating capability. This fundamental service delivery challenge, in conjunction with South Africa's climate change responses, including the decision to work towards energy efficiency, renewable energy and cleaner energy or a "just transition" from coal to clean energy, encourages many South Africans who have the necessary means to invest in off-grid energy solutions that operate alongside and at times independently of Eskom's grid. This paper considers from a legal perspective how and to what extent legislation on electricity supply and municipal by-laws empower household consumers to fulfil their right to electricity by going off-grid. The paper ultimately considers the import of this on South Africa's energy governance framework for electricity provision in the country.

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Author Biographies

  • Germarie Viljoen, Faculty of Law at the North-West University

    Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, North-West University, South Africa.

  • Felix Dube, University of Pretoria

    Postdoctoral fellow, Department of Public, Constitutional and International Law, College of Law, University of South Africa.

References

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Published

23-11-2023

Issue

Section

Special Edition: Environmental & Energy Law

How to Cite

Viljoen, G., & Dube, F. (2023). Realising the Right to Electricity Through Off-Grid Power Solutions in South Africa. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 26, (Published on 23 November 2023) pp 1 - 25. https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2023/v26i0a15637

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