Electricity + Control December 2015

COMMENT

O nce again, it’s the time of year for reflec- tion. Time to review not only our personal growth and development, but also that of many organisations and of our nation. It has been a tough year for this country, and the region. The fact that we are facing a drought inmuch of southern Africa, hardly assists. The challenge is in how we plan and manage the future – given our understanding of the past and our predictions of the way ahead. This is a basic re- quirement in any organisation, and it takes thought, time and leadership. It is also true that we have to acknowledge that these commodities are not always available – at the right time and in the right place. In some cases, things turn out in ways that may not have been obvious at the outset – and that must inform our planning. For instance, who would have imagined that load shedding would end quite so soon – and that the primary reason has been a significant drop in demand? Part of that may well be more efficient practices; but another part is a slow down within industry. This brings into stark focus the way we drive the energy agenda. I have made the point previously that we need to do two things: We need to secure a reliable base load to serve industry; and we need to explore alternatives that will ensure a more sustain- able energy future. All of this is premised on a number of assump- tions, and a sound understanding of our history. It is fairly clear that we have been brought up on an energy-intensive and commodity-based economy. Over the years, we have come to realise that the required amount of energy (power, actually) is available when needed. You have to be producing at that moment; the machinery must be spinning and be able to deliver. As an aside, we have therefore begun to accept that, as consumers (any type), we should have unrestricted access to energy. This has become our philosophy. Imagine, for a moment, a future that suggests that this may not be possible? It may seem devastating in the context of energy – I wonder if it really is the case?

load (but at reduced levels), restructure how we do our business in order to use energy more effectively and more efficiently, and possibly reconsider the pace at which we do things. I extend my personal appreciation to Karen Grant, who has successfully completed ‘year one’ in the role of Crown publisher. For a busy and challenging 2015, thank you to the Editor of Electricity+Control, Wendy Izgoršek; advertising managers, Helen Couvaras and Heidi Jandrell; layout artists Adél JvR Bothma and Anoonashe Shumba … Adél for the layout of our monthly magazine; Karen Smith, Adél and Anoonashe for the monthly newsletters, E+C Spot Ons and Electricity+Control Face Values. And of course, thank you to Jenny Warwick for her ongoing involvement and support. Finally, I wish you – our readers and advertisers – your families and your colleagues, the very best over the year end. I have no doubt everyone needs and deserves a break!

Editor: Wendy Izgorsek

Design & Layout: Adél JvR Bothma

Advertising Managers: Helen Couvaras and Heidi Jandrell

Circulation: Karen Smith

Publisher : Karen Grant

EditorialTechnical Director: Ian Jandrell

Quarter 2 (April - June 2015) Total print circulation: 4 735

Published monthly by: Crown Publications cc CnrTheunis and Sovereign Sts Bedford Gardens PO Box 140, Bedfordview 2008 Tel: (011) 622-4770; Fax: (011) 615-6108 e-mail: ec@crown.co.za admin@crown.co.za Website: www.crown.co.za Printed by:Tandym Print

May 2016 be everything you wish it to be! From the Electricity+Control team.

Electricity+Control is supported by:

Ian Jandrell Pr Eng, BSc (Eng) GDE PhD, FSAIEE SMIEEE

I would like to challenge everyone to end the year thinking of a future … where we can supply a base

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher, the editor, SAAEs, SAEE, CESA, IESSA or the Copper Development Association Africa

December ‘15 Electricity+Control

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