JSE-listed Ellies completed the first phase of its joint initiative Project Power Save and started a new phase this week to reduce energy consumption by an additional 30 MW, the company said on Wednesday.

Ellies said the first phase of the project aimed to eventually reduce the energy demand on the national grid by about 45 MW, with over 270 000 homes now boasting new energy-saving equipment installations.

The joint initiative between Ellies and State-owned power utility Eskom aimed to reduce the amount of electricity consumed across South Africa through the free installation and replacement of geyser timers, incandescent and halogen light bulbs and showerheads.

The company aimed to visit a further 140 000 homes during the next phase and employ an additional 500 installers.

To date, close to 2 900 individuals had been trained and employed as installers for the project.

The new phase was expected to be complete by June 30, 2012.
 

To subscribe to Engineering News's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.