Abstract:
Government reforms aim to provide free basic and affordable electricity in poor urban
areas. However, the growing rate of urban poverty, limited development of energy
infrastructure, the cost of modern services and fuel use culture further contribute towards
the consumption of multiple fuel use. The diverse ways in which urban households utilise
the available energy can make fuel transition very difficult to achieve. This research aims
to investigate household energy consumption patterns in Diepkloof in order to
understand the factors limiting a fuel transition from coal and wood to electricity.
The analysis in this report uses data collected from the household survey in Diepkloof as
well as key stakeholders in this field including the Soweto Electricity Crisis Committee
and Eskom. The reason for using these two stakeholders was because SECC is a social
movement activist group advocating free electricity while Eskom is the electricity service
provider. Household data examines the range of fuels, factors affecting fuel choice and
the attitude of people towards alternative energy sources. The two stakeholders help to
critically assess the effectiveness of energy policy document supporting the supply of
electricity to poor communities, including Diepkloof.
This research concluded that there is no clear evidence that an energy transition is
taking place in Diepkloof. Moreover, the results indicate that the energy policy has good
intentions but there are still some difficulties with affordability, and culture or personal
choice. As a consequence of the underlying problem, most poor households still rely on
multiple fuels use for major thermal purpose such as cooking and heating.
