Madam Speaker, in case anybody has forgotten, the recent energy crisis, which crippled much of South Africa, was a timely reminder of the crucial role that energy plays in the functioning of our lives. We must do everything in our power to prevent a repeat of the energy crisis, and ensure a stable and reliable energy supply if we are to achieve our growth and development objectives.
It is for this reason that legislation of this nature is so vital. I believe that, when enacted, the Bill will close many gaps that still exist with regard to policy issues and go a long way towards solving some of our energy problems. And this will hopefully restore some confidence that people have lost as a result of the energy crisis, and assure the investors that we are correcting our mistakes and addressing the shortcomings.
An area of grave concern for me is the unaffordable price that people are paying in rural areas. They seem to be paying for electricity but receive inefficient service in comparison to their urban counterparts. While I do understand that many of these areas are off the grid and the costs are therefore much higher, when we consider the low incomes that many people in these areas earn, the steep prices that they pay for energy pushes them even deeper into depths of poverty, and makes it so much more difficult for them to escape. Rural development really is an important issue to government and this is one of many issues that need to be rectified. We, in the IFP, hope that this Bill has a positive impact in this regard.
There are many other areas of concern that I have regarding energy, including the need to explore the use of technology that will lessen the impact coal has on the environment, and with climate change and global warming being so significant, that is very important. I am glad to see that the SA National Energy Development Institute, which will be established, will have a renewable energy division. Unfortunately, this section has been left out of the Bill and I think, in future, instead of rushing through our deliberations, we should make sure that everything is included.
The exploration of renewable energy is important if we are to expand our energy mix and lessen our reliance on coal, as well as find unique renewable energy solutions that are tailored to South Africa and consider our special needs and problems. Finally, innovation and foresight are needed in the energy field if we are to reach our potential as a nation, and I hope that this Bill encourages such actions. The IFP supports the Bill.