A review paper on traditional fuel use, indoor air pollution, and respiratory diseases : lessons for South Africa

Abstract: About 90% of the South African population have got access to electricity, yet it is believed that several households continue to rely on traditional fuels such as coal, charcoal, firewood, animal dung as their primary cooking fuels. The combustion of traditional fuels in an inefficient cookstoves results in increased Indoor Air Pollution (IAP), ill respiratory health and several cases of premature deaths. This paper summarizes studies providing evidence of an association between household energy patterns, IAP and of acute or chronic lower and upper respiratory infections in South African households. It is believed that IAP has contributed to about 1400 premature deaths and current interventions programmes to increase access to modern energy services including electricity for poor households could be failing as reports of diseases and deaths continue to be documented. Based on existing evidence, it is that recommended energy practitioners should target achievable, yet health-saving interventions targets for the poor

Dissemination of free basic electricity in rural settlements

Abstract: This paper evaluates the implementation of the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) programme in the needy South African households. A total of 5 governmental sites were used to assess the implementation of the FBE program; while 165 households were surveyed from 2016-2017 to determine the dissemination and use of FBE. The desktop survey revealed that approximately 1.8 million poor South Africans have access to FBE. Furthermore, tariff relief sets at 50 kWh based on 2001 household energy survey was found to differ per implementing agency, ranging from 20 kWh - 100 kWh. However, no data was available regarding the total number of South African who are energy poor. The survey found that 18% of households are employed, while 82% is unemployed and mainly depend on social grants. Majority of the households cannot afford electricity for cooking and heating, consequently spend over 14% of their income on energy budget which include a mixture of clean and dirty fuels such as wood, coal and paraffin. A total of 15 (9%) households are beneficiaries of FBE; while 91% indicated that they do not know about the tariff relief. Findings from this study suggest the need for an improved public communication strategy, especially in rural areas. It can be recommended that the 50-kWh tariff relief be reviewed to qualify the current household energy needs. Furthermore, enhanced community engagement is recommended in rural settlements to improve clean energy adoption strategies, either energy efficiency or FBE utilization

Assessment of household energy poverty levels in Louiville, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Abstract: In this paper, an assessment of the extent of household energy poverty and the implications of socio-economic status of the households in Louiville (a rural settlement in Mpumalanga province, South Africa) is made. In total 165 households were sampled over the course of two years. A survey was conducted from a sample of 165 households recording objective data of energy expenses and subjective data about households’ satisfaction with current energy sources versus what they can afford vis-à-vis their income. Using the objective approach, the results showed a high prevalence, over 84% (n= 138), resulting from both the escalation of energy prices and low household income. Among the households under the poverty threshold, high dependence on traditional fuels including wood, coal and candles was noted for cooking, heating and illumination purposes. The subjective indicator analysis showed that, although the majority of households use traditional fuels for cooking and heating, over 91% of these households are not satisfied with their current energy share owing largely to energy affordability. In conclusion, the establishment of affordable energy tariffs for the poor can address several energy inequalities in the poor settlement