Abstract
The rapid expansion of the city and population growth places a massive demand for electricity. Consequently, urban growth requires efficient energy planning mechanisms to be put in place to merge technological advantages to spatial planning for urban energy systems. These initiatives are often done to improve the vulnerability of local energy systems within municipalities. However, within the context of spatial planning, vital urban energy systems that rely on technology require electricity to function optimally to support the city’s infrastructure and population. Through the mixed method approach, a sample of 50 participants were identified and subject to an online questionnaire survey. The findings presented in the passage underscore the significant impact of power cuts on communities, particularly in the City of Johannesburg, as revealed by participant sentiments and survey data. The loss of 82 days in 2022 due to energy blackouts indicates a substantial disruption in daily life and business operations, with financial implications for the community. The slow response to resolving electricity-related disruptions outside official blackouts, as evidenced by an average of 6.97 days without electricity for households, suggests a need for improved infrastructure and efficiency in addressing such issues. The community's proposed solutions, such as the adoption of solar energy and other renewable sources, along with the provision of free basic electricity for economically vulnerable households, reflect a call for sustainable and equitable energy practices. The concerns about the rising prices of electricity and the threat of vandalism further emphasize the urgency of addressing energy security and affordability issues in the City of Johannesburg. The research study draws from international experiences to formulate the framework for energy security through technological innovations, and recommends an adoption of the Energy Planning Model as the framework for technological innovations (Photovoltaic farms, smart grid technology, and biogas) for energy security.
Keywords: energy security, energy planning, spatial planning, cities, urban growth