Upington, Northern Cape will host a first-of-its-kind energy council on Thursday 25 June. The launch brings government, Eskom, municipalities, farmers, businesses and civil society together under one roof. Their shared goal is to tackle the country’s energy challenges at local level.

Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Samantha Graham-Maré will launch the District Energy Council (DEC) in the Dawid Kruiper Municipality Council Chamber. Joining her will be the Executive Mayor of Dawid Kruiper, the Speaker and Executive Mayor of the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality. The Mayors of Kgatelopele, Tsantsabane, Kheis and Kai Garib municipalities will also attend.

The DEC aims to strengthen cooperation between the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) and municipalities. It will also close the gap between Eskom and local government. Energy matters will stay at the centre of decision making across every municipality in the district.

Graham-Maré said such a body was long overdue. “The establishment of this council should have happened many years ago. The DEC’s collaborative approach will place energy matters at the forefront of discussions between government and civil society. They will then receive the attention they deserve. This is a proud day nothing like this has ever happened before.”

The council will also incorporate large energy users such as the agricultural and business sectors. It will identify opportunities to roll specific programmes out within the district.

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