Platinum mines could be subject to a Government energy conservation programme that would encourage 'whistle-blowers' to name and shame large industrial energy users.

South Africa's Government wants to bring in a new electricity policy that would include punitive tariffs and penalties for people who misuse power, or use too much in peak periods.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, deputy president of the country, has warned that the new rules would ensure that customers valued electricity consumption.

The rules will form part of the upcoming power conservation programme that is in the process of being formulated by the Government.

According to reports from Engineering News, industrial users who waste money could be targeted for naming and shaming.

It is unclear as to how the use of energy will be monitored or who will pay for the new system.

Eskom is likely to expect the Government to pay, but the use of smart metering technologies across the public and mining companies could be costly and difficult to initiate.

Anglo Platinum has already revealed that its earnings have been hit by a 428,600 oz loss in production resulting from power shortages.



Source:

New pricing policy will penalise electricity abuse, Mlambo-Ngcuka warns, 15/07/08
http://engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=138060

Anglo Platinum Profit Gains 15% on Increased Prices, 14/07/08
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601116&sid=ajJ6sfD8FaYg&refer=africa