A proposed methodology for the gathering and dissemination of household energy information in South Africa
Master Thesis
2002
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a methodology that would cost-effectively supply reliable and up-to-date household energy information that can be utilised by energy policy-making and planning. One of the most serious constraints faced by energy planners and policy makers in developing countries is the absence of a systematic, comprehensive and structured household energy information system. A system of this nature, which requires regular updating, is a prerequisite for meeting the challenge of poverty alleviation. During the apartheid era, the only available household energy information was that of commercial fuels (oil. gas. coal and electricity), used mostly by industrial and commercial sectors and Whites households. The majority of Black households used traditional fuels (fuel-wood, paraffin etc.) for which no information was available. The present government has also not managed to devote adequate resources to this gap in data gathering and analysis, the important first step in developing energy policies and strategies. This thesis is an attempt to address this shortcoming, effectively by proposing that high school learners be engaged in household energy data gathering and dissemination with the objective of supplying reliable information cost-effectively for energy planning and policy-making. However, this study has also shown that this is only possible if preceded by a programme of energy education. The reasons for which energy education must be integrated with the school curriculum have been explored in the thesis. As a result of this research reliable, up-to-date household energy information was gathered cost-effectively. Learners benefited educationally and this in turn would equip them to make more rational decisions about energy production and usage in the future. Information gathered and knowledge about this methodology should be conveyed to local authorities, regional and national governments through appropriate structures in order to explore the potential of its extension to a larger scale implementation.
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Bibliography: leaves 48-51.
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Visagie, E. 2002. A proposed methodology for the gathering and dissemination of household energy information in South Africa. University of Cape Town.