As such, it's Electricity Unit has accepted grid connection applications from a number of external power generators.
The contracts vary per embedded generator; some feed excess into the grid, while others operate as net importers of electricity - mainly generating electricity within the consumer’s own electricity network.
Deputy Head of eThekwini Electricity Roy Wienand, who recently addressed stakeholders at the KZN Sustainable Energy Forum, said that six successful applicants have successfully completed the required application process with the City and are now in operation.
While the eThekwini Electricity Unit's primary responsibility is to “keep the lights” on in Durban, embedded generation and “greener” power generation is something the City supports and it welcomes applications from legitimate developers.
Applicants are required to provide the technical specifications of the mode and energy/fuel source for embedded generation, as well as type of energy conversion, total generation capacity, total export generation capacity, electrical parameters, generator transformer parameters, network connection point, protection details, proposed output levels, etc.
“Quality and safety are non-negotiable”, explained Wienand.
EThekwini’s experience with the monitoring and management of embedded generation is still limited, but will provide valuable input into the national strategy and policy for embedded generation currently being developed. National standards and mechanisms are in the process of being established to facilitate these efforts to reduce electricity supply burden.
Ensuring that the standard of power generated and distributed to fellow consumers is of the required quality and safety is of utmost importance.
In addition to the application form, developers must also sign a Purchase Power Agreement (PPA) with eThekwini.
EThekwini is authorised to purchase electricity from embedded generators at the Mega Flex rate - the rate at which municipalities are charged to purchase electricity in bulk from Eskom. This council decision was made in September 2011.
Publisher: eProp
Source: Esacn
