Buffalo City Municipality is looking at alternative energy solutions as part of its drive to create an inclusive city.

Speaking at a two-day Energy Indaba held in East London, Executive Mayor Xola Pakati said that a stable energy supply is key to the city’s development.

“Our view as the City should be characterised by rapid and inclusive economic growth with falling unemployment, poverty and the reduction of inequalities. All of this can happen if there is a stable and sufficient energy supply in our Metro.”

The city has invested over R500-million in the past 10 years on new electricity substations. Many speakers gave the city advice on how it should shape its energy solution including Rui Silva from Beka Schreder who spoke on the benefits of LED Street lights vs Conventional Street lights; Subash Dowlath from SDP Holdings who gave a talk on the solutions to non-ferrous theft and Illegal connections amongst others.

The indaba, which was held under the theme Alternative Energy Solutions for Sustainable Development, was hosted experts from across the country all looking to find alternative solutions towards energy.

The event featured presentations, case studies and panel discussions on critical issues like curbing illegal connections, funding options, green energy, modern electricity metering and LED street lighting vs conventional street lighting.