Pretoria — Energy utility Eskom has invited customers to register on its site and receive incentives for using solar power as an alternative to coal generated electricity.

By visiting the incentive's scheme's online home on http://www.eskomdsm.co.za/swh_index.php customers can make the most of the sunshine that the country receives, and do their part to reduce the energy demand in the country.

Customers have been encouraged to visit the site for more information regarding the programme itself, the benefits of solar energy, how to size a system based on a household's needs and the types of solar power systems from which to chose.

Business people who supply solar power equipment have also been invited to take part in the scheme.

Speaking to BuaNews Tuesday, Eskom spokesperson Sibusiso Duma said during Eskom's 2007 facilitating programme, auditors had sent an expression of interest request to 80 solar power equipment suppliers.

Their responses to the call are currently being processed.

At present, the process for a number of suppliers is currently underway and the first suppliers will be registered within the next two weeks, Mr Duma said.

"For a supplier to be registered on the programme, they have to comply with various criteria, such as, among others, financial and credit checks.

"This is vital so that Eskom can ensure a quality product is supplied to residents by a reputable solar supplier," said Mr Duma.

An updated list of suppliers will be added as soon as it is available. Any inquiries can be sent to solar@eskom.co.za

A major housing project in Gauteng is already implementing solar heating.

The solar geyser project in the mixed-housing development of Cosmo City is the first of its kind in Johannesburg and cost the city about R2-million; each unit, consisting of a geyser and a solar panel, cost R13 000.

The solar heating units are not backed up by electricity because of a lack of funding and the limited power supply in those areas. On sunny days users can expect water temperatures of 55° Celsius and higher.

Regarding load shedding, Eskom said although there was no load shedding reported for Tuesday, their system remained tight while the model of power rations was still being investigated.

Mr Duma said the utility is investigating power rations, adding that is a high possibility that this could soon be implemented in South Africa.

"The principle is that people would be requested to cut off their power usage by a certain percentage and there would be financial penalties if they go above their quota, while financial incentives would be rewarded if they use below [their quota]," Mr Duma explained.