GD Consulting Engineers

29/03/2023

News Article: Eksom could implement stage 11 load-shedding this winter

South Africa could face stage 11 load-shedding this winter, according to Virtual Energy and Power director Clyde Mallinson, who analysed historical data and the condition of Eskom’s coal power plants.

Mallinson predicted that Eskom must lift the coal fleet's capacity factor (CF) to at least 50% to prevent high levels of load-shedding over the winter months.

However, the country’s newly appointed electricity minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, disagrees, saying that he doesn't anticipate significantly higher stages of load-shedding than stage 6 in the winter months, based on the evidence in front of him.

Read the full article here: https://www.mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/485437-eskom-could-implement-stage-11-load-shedding-this-winter.html

If Eskom were to increase its coal fleet’s capacity factor to at least 50%, the chances of intensified load-shedding over winter would be significantly reduced.

25/03/2023

News Article: The process to officially break down Eskom into different units as previously announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa is going ahead.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has opened the platform for oral representation for the formation of the National Transmission Company, a state-owned company, as part of Eskom's division into different units.

The call for submissions is open to members of the public and stakeholders, and the hearing will be held virtually on the Microsoft Teams Meeting platform.

The deadline for submissions is April 3, and written comments can be submitted to [email protected].

Some labor movements oppose the move, fearing it could lead to Eskom's privatization.

Read the full article here: https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/nersa-opens-way-for-oral-representations-on-breaking-eskom-into-three-units-8cf64df2-1bdb-44a0-b695-5cfbbed7543b

The process to officially break down Eskom into different units as previously announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa is going ahead.

24/03/2023

News Article: Renewable energy to save South Africa from energy crisis

South Africa has been struggling with an electricity crisis for the past 14 years, with load shedding occurring on 208 days in 2022. As a result, more people are turning to rooftop solar solutions and energy storage for their homes.

Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind have the potential to play a significant role in addressing South Africa's energy challenges.

Coal, which currently dominates the country's energy mix, is becoming increasingly expensive to extract, while renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines are becoming more cost-effective.

In addition to being sustainable and cost-effective, renewable energy can also be more reliable than traditional forms of energy generation.

Overall, a combination of renewable energy and traditional energy sources may be the most effective solution, and consumers need to continue to improve the efficiency of their energy use and reduce overall demand.

Read the full article here: https://www.news24.com/news24/partnercontent/renewable-energy-to-save-south-africa-from-energy-crisis-20230316-2

In 2022 alone, South Africa experienced 208 days of load shedding, causing the term concept to be one that even preschool children are familiar with and anxious about. Prof Leenta Grobler has been closely following the developments in the energy sector, given the impact of the energy crisis on the e...

21/03/2023

News Article: Eskom suspends load shedding earlier than planned – but it will be back

Eskom has announced that load shedding will be suspended earlier than planned, from Monday at 11:00 until 16:00 on Tuesday. However, stage 2 load shedding will resume on Tuesday from 16:00 until midnight. Eskom is able to pause load shedding earlier than expected due to lower-than-anticipated demand on Monday.

Despite the pause in load shedding, South Africa is still experiencing near-permanent load shedding since September 2022, with 141 consecutive days of blackouts to some degree, including every day in 2023 so far.

Read the full article here:
https://businesstech.co.za/news/energy/673981/eskom-suspends-load-shedding-earlier-than-planned-but-it-will-be-back/

Load shedding will be suspended on Monday due to lower than anticipated demand.

20/03/2023

News Article: It's official: Power price hike of almost 19% confirmed for April, despite Ramaphosa plea

Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa's request for Eskom to reconsider its application for a tariff hike, South Africa's energy regulator, the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa), has confirmed an 18.65% increase for this year, with only a 10% increase for poorer households.

Municipalities will face an 18.49% increase from June, as they cannot increase their tariffs in the middle of their financial year.

Eskom submitted a revised application for an increase of only 10% for lower-consumption users in informal settlements or those with small households, which Nersa approved. Eskom stated that those aggrieved by the upcoming tariff hike will have to lodge a court application to challenge Nersa's decision.

Read the full article here: https://www.news24.com/fin24/economy/its-official-power-price-hike-of-almost-19-confirmed-for-april-despite-ramaphosa-plea-20230317

SA's energy regulator confirmed that the 18.65% increase for this year will go ahead, although with 18.49% jump for municipalities, and only a 10% increase for poorer households.

20/03/2023

Attention all homeowners and businesses! We are proud to announce that GD Consulting Engineers is a Registered Sunsynk Inverter Installer. ☀️💡

This means that we have undergone rigorous training and certification processes to ensure that we can provide the best service and advice when it comes to installing Sunsynk inverters. We are committed to helping you harness the power of solar energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

If you're interested in learning more about Sunsynk inverters and how they can benefit your home or business, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We'd love to hear from you! 🌞🏭

Find us on the list of approved installers here: https://www.sunsynk.org/approvedinstallers

05/03/2023

News Article: Eskom: South Africa's fallen energy giant

Eskom, South Africa's energy giant, is celebrating its centenary but the mood is bitter as it is crippled by debt, corruption scandals, and frequent power cuts. Families and businesses are frustrated by the situation, and Eskom's woes are affecting the country's economy.

Eskom was once a source of national pride for bringing electricity to black communities left behind by apartheid, but today it is facing challenges due to a lack of capacity and old power stations that frequently break down. The company has been mismanaged into the ground, according to experts.

Attempts to clean up the firm have faced internal resistance, and corruption is a big reason why the energy crisis is still not solved. The government recently announced a national state of disaster to tackle the energy crisis, but there are no quick fixes.

Read the full article here: https://www.news24.com/fin24/economy/eskom-south-africas-fallen-energy-giant-20230302

It was once a source of national pride — an award-winning firm that powered South Africa's mining boom and later brought electricity to black communities left behind by apartheid.

05/03/2023

News Article: Eskom chairman begs South Africans to install solar instead of using Eskom’s service

Eskom's chairman, Mpho Makwana, is urging South Africans to prioritize installing solar panels on their rooftops instead of relying on Eskom's electricity. He suggests that those who can afford it should consider delaying purchasing luxury items and investing in solar instead.

Makwana also encourages businesses to install rooftop solar at their corporate offices and to invest in alternative energy solutions. His comments come shortly after the Finance Minister announced tax breaks for businesses and households investing in renewable energy.

Businesses can reduce taxable income by 125% of the cost of the solar panel investment for the next two years, while individuals who install solar panels can claim a rebate of up to 25% of the cost, up to a maximum of R15,000, for only one year as from 1 March 2023.

Read the full article here: https://dailyinvestor.com/south-africa/9618/eskom-chairman-begs-south-africans-to-install-solar-instead-of-using-eskoms-service/

Eskom chairman Mpho Makwana made a unique request – he asked South Africans to prioritise installing solar on their roofs to use as little of Eskom’s products as possible.

02/03/2023

News Article: South Africa’s new rooftop solar tax break kicks in today – what you need to know before installing solar

South Africans can now claim tax rebates of up to R15,000 for new and unused solar panels as a way to mitigate the impact of prolonged power outages. The rebate applies to solar PV panels with a minimum capacity of 275W per panel, and only to those brought into use for the first time from 1 March 2023 to 29 February 2024.

The solar installation will almost certainly enhance the resale value of a property or attractiveness to potential renters, making it easier for homeowners to choose solar.

Read the full article here:
https://businesstech.co.za/news/energy/669217/south-africas-new-rooftop-solar-tax-break-kicks-in-today-what-you-need-to-know-before-installing-solar/

Experts suggest considering these factors before going solar.

01/03/2023

News Article: Solar panels are in hot demand, but SA buyers face delays

Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa, driven by the recent limited-time tax incentives and the heightened risk of load shedding. However, the surge in demand is causing equipment shortages and longer lead times for installations.

Matthew Cruise, head of business intelligence at solar PV marketplace Hohm Energy, warns that the current stock shortages may lead to price increases, but costs could decline in the next 18 months as the volume of solar equipment from China is expected to increase.

Read the full article here:
https://www.news24.com/fin24/climate_future/news/solar-panels-are-in-hot-demand-but-sa-buyers-face-delays-20230227?fbclid=IwAR3RkiOxepBTMtix7JGHGNwwHIAX72geLDvXYC0dK-_lwZ3Gk6vXIB4-scY

Government recently announced two tax incentives to bolster the rollout of rooftop solar PV by businesses and households, but local industry is already facing an equipment shortage.

21/02/2023

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address has reinforced the need for solar to play a leading role in combating South Africa’s enduring electricity crisis, industry organisation the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) asserts. The organisation has welcomed the ...

17/02/2023

Welcome to GD Consulting Engineers' page! We are a solar and inverter installation company that provides innovative and sustainable solutions to power your home or business. At GDCE, we specialize in designing and installing solar and inverter systems that meet your specific needs, ensuring you save money on energy costs and that you have uninterrupted energy during power outages and load shedding.

We invite you to visit our website at www.gdce.co.za to learn more about our services. Our website provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits of solar and inverter systems, the different systems we can offer you, and tips on maintaining your systems for optimal performance.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you transition to sustainable energy solutions and have reliable energy during times of need.

We offer a wide range of services, including solar panel installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. We also provide educational resources and consulting services to help our clients make informed decisions about their solar energy options.