Eskom Assures Higher Prices Would Increase Technology

Andrew Etzinger, spokesman for South Africa’s Eskom, said that the state-owned power utility feels that an effective doubling of the subsidy levels for its solar water heater (SWH) rebate program and tariff hikes – still pending approval – would increase its technology advancements.

The old incentives had resulted in the installation of about 700 units in the first year of the SWH rebate program, and a further 1,600 units in the second year. Etzinger noted that the country has seen a dramatic increase in the number of SWH suppliers with greater quality SWH systems being produced.

The utility has announced to SWH suppliers that it would be increasing the rebates for purchasers of systems that were registered under Eskom’s SWH program found on its website with instructions on how to claim the SWH rebate.