Abstract
South Africa is fast-tracking the adoption of renewable energy sources to reduce the
dominance of coal in its power generation pool. However, a large percentage of the
population still does not have access to electricity, subjecting them to energy poverty.
Hence, this study explored household energy usage patterns and the challenges of
adopting sustainable energy sources, including energy access-related challenges.
Furthermore, the study investigated the various sustainable energy technologies that
can be implemented in the Republic of South Africa This objective was achieved by
assessing the knowledge of community members on renewable energy technologies and
alternative energy sources. Soshanguve, a community in the City of Tshwane, was
chosen as a study. Analysing the household energy usage patterns and challenges
related to energy access presented data that could be used to address these challenges
and suggest solutions the community could adopt. The study used a mixed-method
approach, including qualitative and quantitative data analysis. For data collection, a
structured questionnaire was developed and distributed online and via in-person
interviews for greater reach. A total of 140 questionnaires were distributed.
The study found that most houses in the community have access to electricity, with
paraffin used mostly in non-electrified homes. The study observed that many
households exhibit energy-stacking behaviours, particularly those with access to
electricity. Many households use an energy mix that includes electricity, paraffin, and
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for their energy needs. The households also indicated
that availability and affordability were the most important criteria for choosing an
energy source. Furthermore, the study revealed that most community members are not
familiar with the renewable energy sources available in the country. However, most
participants were willing to adopt and use alternative energy sources. The study also
tested a hypothesis to determine if there was an association between free basic
electricity and challenges related to energy access and to investigate the differences in
perception of renewable energy between young and old community members. The
results indicate that there is no association between free basic electricity and energy
access challenges in the community and the data also show that there is no association
between knowledge of renewable energy and age. This can be seen from statistical
results with a p-value greater than five percent. The hypothesis was tested and proven
in the different scenarios performed in the study. A notable challenge in adopting
v
alternative energy sources is linked to awareness and knowledge of these energy
sources. Therefore, it is crucial for municipalities to conduct educational campaigns on
sustainable energy systems, policy contributions, energy-saving strategies, and the use
of alternative energy sources. The study encourages the uptake of renewable and
sustainable energy technologies in the community and calls for policy changes to
support clean and sustainable energy sources. The government and policymakers
should initiate awareness and knowledge-sharing campaigns regarding all gazetted
policies within the community. Policies concerning Free Basic Electricity (FBE) and
Free Basic Alternative Energy (FBAE) should be revised to incorporate sustainable and
clean energy sources, including ensuring that all new Reconstructed and Development
Programme (RDP) houses adhere to National Building Regulation Amendment XA.
The study recommends the adoption of alternative energy sources such as the Consol
solar jars, solar bottle bulbs, Wonderbag, and portable solar ovens in the community of
Soshanguve. With available funding and investments, energy poverty can be eliminated
in the community.