6 May 2013
Cape Town – Western Cape Premier Helen Zille presented signed flags to representatives of 20 “green growth” initiatives in the Province at the annual 110% Green event in Khayelitsha. The flags represent the Province’s recognition of these initiatives’ commitment to growing the ‘green economy’ in the Western Cape.
One of these initiatives, called EnerGcare, specifically focuses on the “Green Economy Working for the Poor” – a strategic focus area of 110% Green. EnerGcare provides access to renewable and efficient energy products for township residents, through a network of independent sales agents who market and sell directly to customers.
The range of products being distributed are specifically designed with the needs, circumstances and resources of township households in mind, and includes affordable solar lights and cellphone chargers, low-smoke efficient wood- and charcoal stoves, and heat-retention energy saving cookers.
Township households are the hardest hit by rising energy costs and shack fires in winter, while the imminent threat of load-shedding is further forcing people to look for cheaper and safer alternatives. The lack of sufficient retail infrastructure, coupled with limited awareness of the available energy options, prevents township residents from accessing the appropriate technologies.
“We know that renewable energy and energy efficient technologies work; the challenge is to get these products to the people that need them the most” says Robert Aitken, managing director of Restio Energy. The company finds and distributes household energy products, and is one of the EnerGcare partner organisations. Along with PlaNet Finance, specializing in micro-finance, and The Business Place, a business training academy based in Philippi, Restio Energy aims to build a network of micro-franchises that will transform the way energy is used in townships.
“We echo Premier Zille’s statement that the green economy is an important way to generate growth and create jobs, while ensuring sustainability” said Aitken. EnerGcare currently operates in Khayelitsha, Alexandra and Soweto – and is set to expand to additional areas by the end of 2013.
For more details, please contact:
Thabo Tsobane
078 645 6405
OR
Ken Fullerton
079 067 8586