The fight for energy efficiency comes to Fourways
FOURWAYS – Sales staff have been trained in the programme as well in order to provide the public with accurate and useful information.
The fight against electricity wastage got a helping hand on 8 June with the introduction of the Residential Appliance Standards and Labelling (S and L) programme at an official launch hosted at Hirsch’s Home Store in Fourways.
The launch was attended by Minister Jeff Radebe of the Department of Energy, director general Thabane Zulu of the same, as well as the chief executive officer of Hirsch’s company Allan Hirsch, Nardos Bekele-Thomas of the United Nations Development Programme and community leaders.
The programme is aimed at introducing appliances that are less energy consuming and providing consumers with the information needed to make informed decisions regarding appliances.
“Governments throughout the world face challenges in energy efficiency,” Radebe told the audience during his keynote address. “I’m very happy to be here today.
“Today is the result of collaboration between the government, state-owned enterprise and private businesses.”
The S and L programme implemented by the department places energy labels on appliances that provide consumers with accurate and comparable information on their energy efficiency. The project forms part of an integral part of the measures geared towards reducing electricity consumption and the carbon footprint of the residential sector in South Africa.
Sales staff have been trained in the programme as well in order to provide the public with accurate and useful information.
Appliances which will need to feature the new labels include washing machines, tumble dryers, electric ovens, televisions, fridges and freezers, dishwashers and air conditioners.
On the same day, the Appliance Energy Calculator mobile app was also launched for both iPhones and androids, which allows consumers to make in-store comparisons of different appliance models and calculate the estimated running costs of each.
“The app will help the public make informed decisions when they purchase new appliances, which will help them save both money and reduce electricity use, as home appliances make up 30 per cent of home energy consumption.”
Radebe concluded that a second phase of the programme will be rolled out in the future and will impact appliances not included at present.
Details: www.energy.gov.za
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