South Africans are encouraged to buy energy efficient appliances which will save energy and money.
“Energy-efficient home appliances can save us significant amounts of money since they account for up to 30% (per cent) of your home energy use,” said Energy Minister Jeff Radebe, while encouraging South Africans to save energy.
Addressing a launch of the activation of the Mandatory Energy Labelling requirements in Johannesburg on Friday, he said people should check their electricity meter at regular intervals, and take note of their energy consumption patterns.
“I would like to urge for more compliance to the labelling requirements from industry and merchandisers. While we ensure compliance, let us also ensure that sales personnel on the shop floors also understand compliance requirements and are able to read and articulate better the information on the labels for the benefit of ordinary customers,” the Minister said.
Last year, the Department of Energy developed an energy labelling guideline and a training manual which unpacked through training sessions in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg to the retail floor managers and nominated staff with the view to educate them on the information detailed on the energy label.
He said the launch of the activation of the Mandatory Energy Labelling requirements serves as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts of realizing the achievement of the goal of putting in place mandatory energy efficiency standards.
It also serves as a regulatory framework for the attainment of a total transformation of South Africa’s domestic appliance market.
“It is a step in the right direction that greatly advances our country’s Energy Efficiency intentions and re-affirms government’s commitment to promoting the nation and economy-wide energy efficiency practices as defined in the national energy efficiency strategy of 2005,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
