Statement by Jan de Villiers MP – DA National Spokesperson:
The DA is delivering innovative solutions to South Africa’s electricity crisis where we govern.
Today, Cape Town launched the Helderhoop Solar and Storage Power Plant in Atlantis, South Africa’s first solar power station built by a metropolitan municipality.
The R250 million facility combines 7MW of solar generation with a 5MW Battery Energy Storage System. It will provide cheaper electricity than Eskom and is expected to save ratepayers around R400 million over 20 years.
DA delivery uses innovation to strengthen electricity security, reduce costs, and build a more resilient energy system.
The DA does not believe municipalities should sit and wait for Eskom to solve the electricity crisis. Cape Town is instead using generation, battery storage, independent power procurement, rooftop solar, energy efficiency and electricity wheeling to build greater energy security.
The City has already secured power purchase agreements at rates up to 21% below Eskom rates, while its energy efficiency programme has saved more than 427GWh of electricity and approximately R625 million.
More than 250MVA of rooftop solar has also been installed across Cape Town, while residents and businesses have earned R67 million from selling excess solar power back to the City since June 2024.
The Helderhoop plant adds another important piece to this growing energy-security programme, while creating jobs and skills in renewable-energy infrastructure.
Cape Town shows what municipalities can achieve when they innovate, plan ahead, and deliver practical solutions.
Where the DA governs, we deliver.
