Have your say on the Energy Discussion Paper

Monday, February 19, 2018

The National Planning Commission (NPC) has agreed that the Discussion Paper on Energy should now be released for public input and further stakeholder engagement.

The NPC took the decision at its recent Lekgotla which took place from 9 to 11 February 2018.

The release of the report for public input follows the ongoing work of the NPC to consult and advise on the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP).

“The NPC has been working on a series of research papers on pathways out of the current economic slump.

The document on energy is the first of the series to be released for public and stakeholder input.

In addition to the decision to release the document for public comment, the NPC has tasked Commissioner Jarrad Wright to spearhead the process of preparing the discussion paper on behalf of the Commission in the context of the NDP 2030.

“The aim of this paper is to assist in achieving the transformative goals envisioned in the NDP 2030 while remaining cognisant of the aforementioned dynamic environment within which the global and domestic energy sector operates,” said Commissioner Jarrad Wright.

Interested organisations and individuals have been invited to make their voices heard and send written submissions, apply to attend discussions to the NPC in writing to ashraf@dpme.gov.za by 4 April 2018.

Interested stakeholders may also make oral submissions to the NPC.

“We also encourage organisations/individuals to share the paper with colleagues and any other relevant organisations,” said the Commission.

The discussion paper on energy follows what the Commission has noted as “critical issues” which persist in the South African energy industry.

According to the Commissio, these issues are compounded by the dynamic energy planning, regulatory and governance environment within which the sector operates.

The NPC

In September 2015, the former President announced the appointment of the NPC which was tasked to, amongst others, promote, advance and monitor the implementation of the NDP 2030 by government and across all sectors of the South African society.

The Commission conducts regular engagements with key stakeholders and wider society on all matters that relate to the long-term development of the country. – SAnews.gov.za