Pretoria - Eskom has welcomed AngloGold Ashanti's decision to partner on 49M, the country's energy saving movement.
On Wednesday, AngloGold Ashanti became the 49th business partner to join the energy efficiency drive.
The 49M campaign is aimed at spurring South Africans to save electricity, given the country's constrained power system. It is an Eskom initiative that has been endorsed by government as well as business.
"The mining industry is one of the leading consumers of electricity. We welcome the measures which AngloGold Ashanti has implemented to reduce energy consumption within their operations. They have provided a model of energy efficiency which others can follow, helping to alleviate the load on our country's power," said Eskom's chief executive officer, Brian Dames.
The mining company's chief executive officer, Mark Cutifani, said the company was fully behind the 49M initiative and its objective of encouraging energy efficiency.
"We are delighted to associate ourselves with 49M as it is a timely intervention, given the energy challenges of our time. To drive the desired behavioural changes, we will partner with our staff, host communities, schools, and the municipalities in the areas we operate," said Cutifani.
The company will support municipalities in which it hosts its operations to install smart metering. This will enable better control of power use and reduce losses to municipalities.
It will also implement the installation of heat pumps for villages as well as replace shower heads to save water as part of the energy chain.
South Africa needs to reduce its energy consumption by 10% in the next five years.
AngloGold Ashanti noted that it was a major consumer of electricity and fuels.
"As a result, reducing our energy footprint would mean a lower impact on climate change from our operations and reduced costs," said Cutifani.
All state owned companies reporting to the Department of Public Enterprises form part of the companies that are 49M partners.
