Exploring the driving factor on prepaid electricity meter rejecting the largest township of South Africa
- Kambule, Njabulo, Yessoufou, Kowiyou, Nwulu, Nnamdi, Mbohwa, Charles
- Authors: Kambule, Njabulo , Yessoufou, Kowiyou , Nwulu, Nnamdi , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electricity consumption , Education , Prepaid electricity meter
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/406836 , uj:34221 , Citation: Kambule, N. et al. 2019. Exploring the driving factor on prepaid electricity meter rejecting the largest township of South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Technology rejection phenomenon manifests itself differently across different societies. Over the past two decades, low income households in Soweto have persistently rejected prepaid electricity meters. Until now, the basis of the rejection in the region remains scientifically underexplored. We therefore conduct an exploratory study of pertaining prepaid meter rejection in Soweto. Through triangulation research and survey approach, 88 households based in Orlando East and Diepkloof were interviewed by means of a questionnaire. Our findings show that three aspects contributing to this phenomenon, namely: lack of quality consultation and education, the high levels of electricity consumption, and unattainable politically motivated promises are the main reasons that currently fuel prepaid meter rejection. We emphasise that the current state of the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) (2003) policy also fuels rejection, as it remains socio-economically inadequate and irrelevant for indigent households. We therefore note the need for an FBE policy review and update as well as the establishment of a policy monitoring committee to ensure implementation and enforcement.
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- Authors: Kambule, Njabulo , Yessoufou, Kowiyou , Nwulu, Nnamdi , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electricity consumption , Education , Prepaid electricity meter
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/406836 , uj:34221 , Citation: Kambule, N. et al. 2019. Exploring the driving factor on prepaid electricity meter rejecting the largest township of South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Technology rejection phenomenon manifests itself differently across different societies. Over the past two decades, low income households in Soweto have persistently rejected prepaid electricity meters. Until now, the basis of the rejection in the region remains scientifically underexplored. We therefore conduct an exploratory study of pertaining prepaid meter rejection in Soweto. Through triangulation research and survey approach, 88 households based in Orlando East and Diepkloof were interviewed by means of a questionnaire. Our findings show that three aspects contributing to this phenomenon, namely: lack of quality consultation and education, the high levels of electricity consumption, and unattainable politically motivated promises are the main reasons that currently fuel prepaid meter rejection. We emphasise that the current state of the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) (2003) policy also fuels rejection, as it remains socio-economically inadequate and irrelevant for indigent households. We therefore note the need for an FBE policy review and update as well as the establishment of a policy monitoring committee to ensure implementation and enforcement.
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Temporal analysis of electricity consumption for prepaid metered low and high income households in Soweto, South Africa
- Kambule, Njabulo, Yessoufou, Kowiyou, Nwulu, Nnamdi, Mbohwa, Charles
- Authors: Kambule, Njabulo , Yessoufou, Kowiyou , Nwulu, Nnamdi , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electricity consumption , High income household , Low income household
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404639 , uj:33942 , Citation : Kambule, N. et al. 2019: Temporal analysis of electricity consumption for prepaid metered low and high income households in Soweto, South Africa. , https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2018.1527983
- Description: Abstract : This study explores the temporal trend in electricity consumption since the introduction of prepaid meters in low income households of Soweto, and compares the findings with high income households. Monthly electricity consumption data (over 96 months: 2007-2014) on 4427 households in Soweto, for both low and high income households, was collected from Eskom. Using a simple linear model to analyse consumption trends in low income households, we ascertain that electricity consumption has decreased by 48% since the inception of prepaid meters. Nonetheless, it is noted that 60% of household incomes are spent on electricity bills, which is way above the threshold set for energy poverty. Comparatively, high income households consume lower electricity than low income households do. Overall, the prepaid meter programme is producing expected results for Eskom but remains a challenge for low income households, which are still entrenched in energy poverty. We call for an energy policy that is tailored for each income groups and the formulation of laws and policies to protect the energy vulnerable households.
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- Authors: Kambule, Njabulo , Yessoufou, Kowiyou , Nwulu, Nnamdi , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electricity consumption , High income household , Low income household
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404639 , uj:33942 , Citation : Kambule, N. et al. 2019: Temporal analysis of electricity consumption for prepaid metered low and high income households in Soweto, South Africa. , https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2018.1527983
- Description: Abstract : This study explores the temporal trend in electricity consumption since the introduction of prepaid meters in low income households of Soweto, and compares the findings with high income households. Monthly electricity consumption data (over 96 months: 2007-2014) on 4427 households in Soweto, for both low and high income households, was collected from Eskom. Using a simple linear model to analyse consumption trends in low income households, we ascertain that electricity consumption has decreased by 48% since the inception of prepaid meters. Nonetheless, it is noted that 60% of household incomes are spent on electricity bills, which is way above the threshold set for energy poverty. Comparatively, high income households consume lower electricity than low income households do. Overall, the prepaid meter programme is producing expected results for Eskom but remains a challenge for low income households, which are still entrenched in energy poverty. We call for an energy policy that is tailored for each income groups and the formulation of laws and policies to protect the energy vulnerable households.
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An evaluation of prepaid electricity meters acceptance and efficacy among low-income households in Soweto, South Africa
- Authors: Kambule, Njabulo
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/387526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/295372 , uj:32163
- Description: Abstract: In 2003, Soweto had an electricity bad debt amounting to R1.4 billion. In an attempt to motivate household to pay for the electricity consumed, the utility erased the debt under the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP). However, by 2015 Soweto yet again owed Eskom more than 60% (about R8.6 billion) of the total national household electricity debt (R13.6 billion = US$1.14 billion). To ameliorate and remedy the arrearage situation, prepaid electricity meters were introduced in the township in 2007. Since then, more than 40% (74 000) of Eskom’s clients1 in the township the township is under this model of payment and there have been noteworthy improvements in payments of electricity bills. In the 2016/2017 financial year, the utility recorded payment improvement of approximately R39 million. In view of this benefit, low-income households in the township have however persistently protested against the deployment and utilisation of the system – contesting about its ill effect on their livelihood. This thesis therefore sought to scientifically investigate these contrasting views currently characterising the prepaid meter market in Soweto, and recommend mechanisms for improved efficacy and acceptance. To achieve the set aim, our research extensively reviews scholarly research or scientific literature on the theme of household prepaid electricity meters, worldwide. Herein, we find that there are two forms of trends currently characterising the market and literature: namely the emerging and persistent trends. Among the persistent trends, the technology is still postured as an enabler of household electricity savings and improved budgeting. However, an important emerging trend is equally noted, whereby it becomes apparent that the past decade been characterised by growing interest of scientific research opposing the idea of prepaid meters and its effect thereof, especially amongst low-income households. This emerging trend is consistent... , Ph.D. (Energy Studies)
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- Authors: Kambule, Njabulo
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/387526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/295372 , uj:32163
- Description: Abstract: In 2003, Soweto had an electricity bad debt amounting to R1.4 billion. In an attempt to motivate household to pay for the electricity consumed, the utility erased the debt under the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP). However, by 2015 Soweto yet again owed Eskom more than 60% (about R8.6 billion) of the total national household electricity debt (R13.6 billion = US$1.14 billion). To ameliorate and remedy the arrearage situation, prepaid electricity meters were introduced in the township in 2007. Since then, more than 40% (74 000) of Eskom’s clients1 in the township the township is under this model of payment and there have been noteworthy improvements in payments of electricity bills. In the 2016/2017 financial year, the utility recorded payment improvement of approximately R39 million. In view of this benefit, low-income households in the township have however persistently protested against the deployment and utilisation of the system – contesting about its ill effect on their livelihood. This thesis therefore sought to scientifically investigate these contrasting views currently characterising the prepaid meter market in Soweto, and recommend mechanisms for improved efficacy and acceptance. To achieve the set aim, our research extensively reviews scholarly research or scientific literature on the theme of household prepaid electricity meters, worldwide. Herein, we find that there are two forms of trends currently characterising the market and literature: namely the emerging and persistent trends. Among the persistent trends, the technology is still postured as an enabler of household electricity savings and improved budgeting. However, an important emerging trend is equally noted, whereby it becomes apparent that the past decade been characterised by growing interest of scientific research opposing the idea of prepaid meters and its effect thereof, especially amongst low-income households. This emerging trend is consistent... , Ph.D. (Energy Studies)
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A survey on the state of energy efficiency adoption and related challenges amongst selected manufacturing SMMEs in the Booysens area of Johannesburg
- Authors: Kambule, Njabulo
- Date: 2015-06-26
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries - Energy conservation , Manufacturing industries - Energy consumption , Electric power consumption - South Africa , Power resources - Economic aspects
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13806
- Description: M.A. (Environmental Management) , The Small Micro Medium Enterprise (SMME) sector plays a critical role in the economy of South Africa by reducing poverty and providing employment. South Africa has about 6 million SMMEs that employ more than 61% of citizens and contribute about 37% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The growth and development of the sector over the years has however been compromised and threatened by the shortage of electricity and increasing electricity tariffs. Whereas large companies can manage to afford the adoption of energy efficiency measures in order to reduce energy costs, SMMEs have limited resources and may therefore struggle to afford energy efficiency adoption. However, there is a lack of scientific documentation about energy efficiency adoption amongst manufacturing SMMEs (M-SMMEs) in South Africa. The purpose of the research is to therefore assess the state of energy efficiency adoption amongst M-SMMEs, despite the challenges they experience. To achieve this research goal, the study surveyed and characterised the extent of energy efficiency adoption and also unveiled the drivers and barriers to energy efficiency adoption. Data were collected by means of surveys, making use of questionnaires. A sample of 30 firms was selected for the research. Almost all (96%) firms perceived EE as an opportunity. However, only 50% had adopted EE measures. Key drivers to adoption included the motive to reduce production costs, mitigate the impact of increasing electricity prices, gain competitive advantage and payback period. The gap between EE perception and adoption was caused by several barriers like the lack of finance, skills and time. Among non-adopters, 60% indicated their willingness to be trained in EE. The study therefore recommends improved capacity building through workshops for M-SMMEs.
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- Authors: Kambule, Njabulo
- Date: 2015-06-26
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries - Energy conservation , Manufacturing industries - Energy consumption , Electric power consumption - South Africa , Power resources - Economic aspects
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13806
- Description: M.A. (Environmental Management) , The Small Micro Medium Enterprise (SMME) sector plays a critical role in the economy of South Africa by reducing poverty and providing employment. South Africa has about 6 million SMMEs that employ more than 61% of citizens and contribute about 37% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The growth and development of the sector over the years has however been compromised and threatened by the shortage of electricity and increasing electricity tariffs. Whereas large companies can manage to afford the adoption of energy efficiency measures in order to reduce energy costs, SMMEs have limited resources and may therefore struggle to afford energy efficiency adoption. However, there is a lack of scientific documentation about energy efficiency adoption amongst manufacturing SMMEs (M-SMMEs) in South Africa. The purpose of the research is to therefore assess the state of energy efficiency adoption amongst M-SMMEs, despite the challenges they experience. To achieve this research goal, the study surveyed and characterised the extent of energy efficiency adoption and also unveiled the drivers and barriers to energy efficiency adoption. Data were collected by means of surveys, making use of questionnaires. A sample of 30 firms was selected for the research. Almost all (96%) firms perceived EE as an opportunity. However, only 50% had adopted EE measures. Key drivers to adoption included the motive to reduce production costs, mitigate the impact of increasing electricity prices, gain competitive advantage and payback period. The gap between EE perception and adoption was caused by several barriers like the lack of finance, skills and time. Among non-adopters, 60% indicated their willingness to be trained in EE. The study therefore recommends improved capacity building through workshops for M-SMMEs.
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