Some recommendations towards reducing electricity consumption in the South African manufacturing sector

This paper investigates the means of reducing electricity consumption in the South African manufacturing sector. It concludes that neither the price of electricity, nor taxes, subsidies or legislation are likely to bring about the required change. A change in the production structure using relatively more labour and less capital is also unlikely in the immediate future, given the socioeconomic and legislative milieu currently prevailing in South Africa. The only feasible solution that seems likely is a change in technology, which includes the more efficient use of electricity. Given the possible international agreement regarding global climate change commitments and procedures, clean development mechanisms may therefore yet provide the answer.