Newsletter Issue 4 April 2019

With the first quarter of 2019 behind us, we are well and truly entrenched in meeting the project’s objectives for the year. So in this edition, as we briefly unpack significant recent successes and meaningful future developments, I would again like to begin by thanking you. The positive spirit of our cooperation is truly reaping dividends.

Most importantly, word is getting out into the public domain! Having said that however, I regularly meet industry members who do not receive or are not aware of the newsletter – so I encourage you to please forward the newsletter to colleagues. Contact me directly to add you to the distribution list theo.covary@undp.org.

Using a combination of social and mainstream media communication and targeted online initiatives like the energy efficiency survey and competition via our website, our internet presence has literally quantum-escalated; (admittedly coming off a low base). The results are nonetheless amazing. In little over six months, on Facebook alone, our reach has increased by over 4 619%. Our active audience engagement in terms of likes, comments and shares have grown by over 3 170%, as has Twitter activity.

What is most encouraging is that these figures only represent a fraction of our total reach potential. We will keep driving growth through online campaigns and strategies that draw attention and elicit engagement, such as the survey and competition. The close-out report of the competition can be viewed on our website.

Growing Retail Web and In-Store Presence

The project’s internet presence is now also expanding via retail partners such as Massmart, with the energy efficiency label now featuring prominently on their websites. Here, in strongly affecting purchasing decisions within the retail spaces where they occur, our cooperation with Massmart continues. A joint promotion is planned for the week after Easter, where consumers will once again directly benefit from energy efficient buying choices – both through an immediate discount on top-performing appliances and long-term electricity savings.

Successful Database User Acceptance Testing

Thank you to Bosch, Electrolux and Eurolux who participated in the database’s user acceptance testing. We are making final changes and will keep you all updated on developments as they happen. The implementation of the new NRCS product registration database is imminent and, in my opinion, will be a game changer! The appointment of an ICT company to develop the QR code functionality is being finalised and work will start in April. Look out for further developments in upcoming editions.

Air Conditioner Study

The recently completed Air Conditioner study provides the first detailed assessment undertaken in over a decade for this fast-growing appliance type. The combination of a warming climate and improved per capita GDP is expected to lead to significantly higher penetration rates for AC’s, as is being witnessed in countries across the developing world. Now, the study will provide a sound basis for future work and will inform the National Cooling Plan which is about to be developed, compliments of the Kigali – Cooling Efficiency Program. The AC study is a public document and will be available for download on our website within the next two weeks, once the internal reviews have been completed. A link to the study will be included in our next issue.

The DoE has completed its review of the existing MEPS and is formulating a request for the upward revision of minimum standards for certain appliances. This will be submitted to the NRCS during Quarter 2. The request will be available on the website once it is published, so please look out for it.

Finally, I would like to inform you that the workshops for the next set of electrical equipment to enter the programme, (expanding beyond residential appliances) will take place in early April. All those affected are encouraged to attend. Your time is valuable and no individual workshop will last longer than a maximum of two hours (see details at the end of this issue).

The workshops are taking place on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of April at the Capital Hotel (Empire Road Sandton – behind the American Embassy). Knowing that your time is precious, each workshop will be short but impactful; and the invaluable presence and input of all those affected will be greatly appreciated.

Kindly contact Marcia Lephera on Marcia.Lephera@energy.gov.za to attend, or access invitations directly here.

Thank you again for your active involvement and I look forward to future successes together.

Theo Covary
S&L Project Manager