Why work with Municipal Energy Management Systems (MEMS)?

Implementing energy management systems can strengthen a municipality’s ability to systematically identify and implement energy efficiency improvements in infrastructure such as buildings, public lights, and water treatment plants. The current energy crisis, rising electricity costs and the need to transition to a low carbon economy, necessitate municipalities to improve their energy management systems and reduce their energy usage.

Energy efficiency is the first fuel municipalities should consider in their energy transition. Adopting energy management principles will enable a systematic development of bankable energy efficiency projects that will reduce energy usage and related costs. Improved energy management in municipalities will help improve service delivery and mitigate the impact of load shedding. Municipalities should also lead by example and encourage their consumers to follow suit and contribute to a more effective service delivery.  

MEMS is part of the South African – German Energy Prorgramme (SAGEN), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). 

The component provides support to 11 municipalities on the adoption of energy management systems for their municipal infrastructure. Supported municipalities are: Bela-Bela Local Municipality, Cape Agulhas Local Municipality, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, City of Mbombela, Dr. Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, Elundini Local Municipality, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Knysna Local Municipality, Mahikeng Local Municipality, Midvaal Local Municipality and Tswelopele Local Municipality

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To facilitate the exchange between the 11 municipalities and various organisations working with the MEMS component, an exchange event took place in Cape Town on July 11 – 12, 2023.  

Key objectives of the event were:

  • Facilitate networking among participants to build relationships and encourage knowledge sharing among the participants;
  • Understand the current status of energy information systems in the participating municipalities;
  • Comprehend the current skills and knowledge amongst the municipalities regarding energy information system;
  • Assist the municipalities in improving their energy information systems;
  • Establish a network between the municipalities that allow for the exchange of information, knowledge and experience.

SAGEN | South African – German Energy Prorgramme

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Website: www.sagen.org.za

Twitter: @SAGEN_Programme

Youtube: SAGEN Channel

A clean and diverse energy mix for South Africa

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