South Africans don't trust Eskom

A recent poll conducted by Selected Energy revealed South Africa's scepticism in Eskom's management. 90% of visitors polled on the Solahart website believe the recent blackouts across Johannesburg are the result of poor infrastructure management by Eskom. 74% are of the opinion that the situation will never improve.

According to Selected Energy managing director (MD) Jim Hickey, mistrust in Eskom's ability to provide electricity affects the solar water heating industry.

"The public's attitude towards Eskom extends to the demand side management (DSM) programme," said Hickey.

"I have to assure prospective clients that Deloitte and Touché are involved in the incentive payments, because many believe the incentive too good to be true. Like the rest of the country, I have taken measures to ensure I'm affected as little as possible during periods of load shedding. I know that I'll have hot water regardless of Eskom's service delivery because I have a Solahart on my home. Solar water heaters are the way to go," he continued.

"There has been a massive increase in demand for solar water heaters. We have a responsibility to build an infrastructure that can function independently from Eskom," he concluded.