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Spiralling: Electricity tariffs have risen by more than 1 100% since 2007. In addition to consumption costs,
there are layered costs for generation, theft and non-payment, among others. Photo: Madelene Cronje

Paying more for less power

Citizens are paying far more for electricity despite using less of it, as rising tariffs, fixed monthly charges and municipal costs reshape household bills and intensify…

Roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint now under strain.

Iran war triggers global shockwaves across energy, food and finance systems, analysts warn

The US-Israel war on Iran is sending shockwaves through global energy, food and financial systems, exposing deep structural vulnerabilities in the world economy, according to the…

Qasem Soleimani received the Zolfaghar Order from Ali Khamenei, the 87-year-old Supreme Leader who was assassinated in the US and Israeli strikes against Iran. Photo: khamenei.ir

US/Israel war against International Law

The assassination of Khamenei was another blatant violation of international law. It was also part of a broader strategy to eliminate moderate leaders, whose absence is then used…

South Africa’s digital economy is being undermined by local beneficiation for copper, which has become an essential mineral in the age of artificial intelligence — from data centres, electricity cables and battery storage. (Flickr)

Copper will determine South Africa’s digital economy success

The economy is expected to create a jobs boom if the country can fix its electricity grid and meet the increasing demand for local copper beneficiation

Storm waters cascade off the mountain above Kalk Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Cape Town, South Africa’s tourism hub, and the surrounding Western Cape province have been battered by torrential rains, howling winds and bush fires that caused extensive damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure. (Photo by Dwayne Senior/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

A pivotal moment for South Africa: Energy crisis, climate action and inclusive governance

As young activists, we urge our government to take bold and decisive action to address the pressing issues of energy poverty and environmental justice

Pay your electricity bill or have your power switched off. File photo

Eskom’s desperate measures: Emergency reserves strained as power shortages persist

The improved load-shedding situation over the past month have been aided by solar photovoltaic energy and lower demand

Developing countries that are the most vulnerable to climate change are angry about a new text released at COP29 on Friday, which says developed countries must pay $250 billion a year until 2035 for climate action.(Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Explainer: How new government standards will affect solar and battery energy bidders

One of the biggest difficulties the sector faces is securing permits and licences crucial for project commencement

After more than a century of monopoly control under Eskom, South Africa is shifting towards a competitive multi-market electricity system, (Eskom)

Load-shedding and corruption are major concerns for voters, survey finds 

Respondents were asked to pick the top five issues they believe the incoming government should focus on after the 29 May elections

Gariep Dam in the Free State. File photo

Water shortages impact hydropower as energy solution

Water scarcity has rendered hydropower impractical, shifting focus to coal and nuclear energy

Battery minerals shine light on a greener, cleaner future

Responsible resource development goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship and social responsibility

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. (GCIS)

Ramokgopa: Eskom bosses consolidating report to solve energy crisis

Eskom won’t cut maintenance, despite German consortium’s recommendation, electricity minister says This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free…

Jason Swartz, Portfolio Manager, Old Mutual Investment Group.

Local assets offering better returns this year, but value trap on the horizon

Old Mutual Investment Group have identified four key themes that will drive their investment decisions next year

BLUETTI has solutions to help South Africans tackle power outages

Experts warn that the power crisis may persist until the end of next year

Blueprint for the just energy transition: Banks of solar panels are being erected around Komati’s old chimney stacks. Photo: Thabo Molelekwa

Renewable energy training ramps up at Komati power station

An update on the training and community support programmes taking shape at Eskom’s pilot renewable energy plant

Projects like the Medupi and Kusile (above) power stations, which experienced extended timelines and higher-than-planned costs, highlight the complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure delivery within parts of South Africa’s public sector

Public ownership of the electricity system must be defended

We cannot allow the planned handover of Eskom coal power stations to the private sector to go ahead

President Cyril Ramaphosa. (GCIS)

READ IN FULL | Ramaphosa’s changes to the cabinet

The president announced that Paul Mashatile will become deputy president and Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as the new Electricity Minister

Shocking state: President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his State of the Nation address at City Hall in Cape Town, where he announced the electricity crisis as a national state of disaster.  Photo: Dwayne Senior/Bloomberg

Energy crisis can hardly be categorised as a disaster, says expert

But widespread, destructive flooding does qualify as a disaster

Communication professionals have a role to play in bridging this gap, translating the sustainable development goals into relatable narratives that resonate with people and inspire collective action.
(Getty Images)

Ramaphosa: Just Energy Transition will be at a pace South Africa can afford

Beyond electricity, South Africa cannot continue to design its energy system based on ad-hoc responses, says conservation organisation WWF

Panelists discuss the state of the nation address in Cape Town. (David Harrison/M&G)

Protests are the true state of the nation … the government is detached from its people’

No legal provision for calling a state of disaster because your cabinet is incompetent and your government incapable, panel hears

Eskom told the Mail & Guardian it had only received a R9 billion World Bank loan to decommission its coal-fired Komati power station. (Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Solidarity warns it will litigate if a state of disaster is announced at State of the Nation address

Complete ceremony format at a cool R8 million expected at #Sona2023 after last year’s parliament fire caused some events to be cancelled