South Africa is battling constant power cuts because its old power plants break down often and maintenance has been delayed for years. These blackouts disrupt daily life, especially in the evening when families need electricity the most. While richer areas use solar power to avoid the worst effects, poorer communities suffer more. Despite these struggles, many South Africans find creative ways to cope, and new local efforts in renewable energy offer hope for a brighter, more reliable future.
South Africa faces an electricity crisis due to frequent power outages from coal power plant failures. The government’s proposed Integrated Resource Plan has been criticized for neglecting affordable renewable energy solutions, such as wind and solar power with increased storage capacity, and promoting gasintensive scenarios. The Lazard Levelized Costs of Energy report highlights the potential for renewable energy to drastically lower costs, but the government’s plan neglects this. Reconsideration is necessary to align proposals with environmental obligations and economic realities.
