ELECTRICITY CRISIS and upkeep of generators can also result in higher costs and increased pollution . Together , these factors mean significantly higher costs and a loss of productivity .
Ultimately , it ’ s critical that we find a solution to the energy crisis as soon as possible . We need to take action to ensure the stability of the industry and to protect the country ’ s economic interests ,” he concludes .
The off grid opportunity Antonie Goosen , Principal and Owner of Meridian Realty looked into the question , “ Is going off grid a good investment ?” last year . This year he says we now need to look at the financial implications of this .
He says , ‘ Transitioning to an offgrid home is costly and electricity and water supply are inextricably linked with pump systems and critical water pipelines being affected by loadshedding . Neither electricity , nor water supply can be viewed in isolation . Securing some alternatives is no longer a nice to have , but a necessity . This will , unfortunately , again make the discrepancy between the haves and have nots more obvious in a country that should be building a solid and sustainable middle class .
Immediate solutions Mitesh Bhawan , MD of Broll Property Group ’ s Energy , Water & Sustainability ( Broll EWS ) division says instead of only looking to energy generation in the form of solar panels , gas or generators , which come with their own costs , owners should place greater emphasis on identifying the most basic ways to reduce energy consumption such as ensuring lights in a building – or a particular node in a building – are switched off when not in use .
Dawie Roodt , head economist for Efficient Wealth noted that businesses and individuals are becoming far more productive and
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