Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

In the photo: Civic Centre While Under Construction

In a major step towards energy efficiency and sustainability, the George Municipality has deployed three Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with a combined capacity of 3MWh to optimise energy consumption. The Municipality’s Electrotechnical Services Department announced this initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to integrate innovative energy solutions into the municipal grid.

According to Daniel Greeff, Deputy Director for Planning and Design in the Electrotechnical Services Department, the BESS units are designed to complement the existing grid-tied PV solar systems within the municipal network. “These systems are strategically distributed based on local demand: a 1MWh BESS is integrated with a 400kWp PV solar system at Outeniqua WWTW, a 400kWh BESS with a 500kWp PV solar system at Gwaing WWTW, and a 1.6MWh BESS with a 300kWp PV solar system at the Municipal Main Offices near the Civic Centre,” Greeff explained.

The primary driver behind this project is the high cost of running diesel generators during loadshedding and unplanned outages. “The Municipality did a feasibility study to determine a cost-saving model for the use of BESS as a primary source of energy during a power interruption, as they have a minimal to zero operational and maintenance cost as compared to the use of diesel generators.”

Reducing Loadshedding Disruptions & Cutting Costs
Beyond mitigating operational disruptions during loadshedding, the BESS units can also be configured for peak shaving—a process that reduces strain on the grid during high-demand periods. By storing energy during off-peak hours, when electricity rates are lower, and discharging it when demand spikes, the systems significantly lower operational costs for the Municipality. This configuration will be deployed during times of no loadshedding.

“Two of the three BESS units are operational and at practical completion stage and caused the generators not to start up during the recent load shedding at these sites, with the Civic Centre system expected to be fully operational by May 2025,” said Greeff.

The recent stage-4 loadshedding provided an early test of the system’s effectiveness, demonstrating its positive impact on energy efficiency. By ensuring stored energy is available for critical infrastructure, the Municipality can now smooth out fluctuations in power usage, prevent grid overloads, and reduce reliance on expensive diesel-generated electricity.

Financial & Environmental Benefits
While the financial investment in these BESS installations is significant, the long-term savings on electricity costs are expected to be substantial. The ability to store off-peak energy for use during high-demand periods minimizes the need to purchase electricity at higher rates. This not only improves the Municipality’s bottom line but also offers greater flexibility and control over energy consumption.

Additionally, the integration of battery storage with PV solar systems supports cleaner, greener energy usage by maximizing renewable energy utilization. This strategic deployment marks a milestone in the Municipality’s energy resilience plan, setting a precedent for future energy storage and management solutions.

In the photo: Officials from the Treasury and the Presidency were welcomed by the MMC for Finance, Councillor Marais Kruger (third from the left in the front row), alongside senior municipal officials, including Acting Municipal Manager Mr. Godfrey Louw (fifth from the left in the front row).

A delegation from the National Treasury visited George on the 25th and 26th of February 2025 as part of the 2024/25 mid-year budget and performance assessment, focusing on the state of municipal services, including financials, electricity, waste management, water, and sanitation services.

The delegation included officials from the National Treasury, the Monitoring and Evaluation unit of the Department of the Presidency, and the Western Cape Provincial Treasury. They were welcomed by MMC for Finance, Councillor Marais Kruger, and senior municipal officials, including Acting Municipal Manager Mr. Godfrey Louw. The George Municipal team provided in-depth presentations on the municipality’s service delivery and financial performance.

The assessment began with a full-day interactive session on Tuesday, 25 February, where each municipal directorate presented its progress, challenges, and future plans. The following day, Wednesday, 26 February, the delegation conducted site visits to key infrastructure projects, including:
• The existing 20 Ml/d Water Treatment Works in Denneoord has been upgraded, the new 20 Ml/d module, a new residual handling facility and the clear water rising main which is in the process of being upgraded.
• Thembalethu East Reservoir, Tower and Pump Station
• The Glenwood Power Sub-station.

These site visits provided firsthand insight into the progress of critical municipal projects and their impact on service delivery.

Riaan du Plessis, Chief Financial Officer of George Municipality, highlighted the significance of the visit, stating: “This engagement allowed National Treasury to gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day operational challenges we face in delivering effective services amid high interest rates and rising costs of living. Additionally, it provided an opportunity for Treasury officials to personally inspect projects funded through various grants allocated under the Division of Revenue Act.”

The George Municipality remains committed to transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure development, ensuring continued progress in service delivery for all residents.

Law enforcement issued fines totalling R55,000

As part of the Illegal Dumping Month campaign, George Municipal Law Enforcement officials have been patrolling known illegal dumping hotspots since the beginning of February, issuing fines to offenders. By 16:00 on Monday, 24 February 2025, law enforcement had issued fines totalling R55,000 and 15 warnings to individuals caught dumping illegally. Under municipal by-laws, offenders face a R1,000 fine per violation.

“This increased enforcement aims to deter illegal dumping and support the Community Services cleaning teams, who continue clearing hotspot areas throughout the city,” said the Senior Manager for Community Safety, Lee-Anne Meiring.

Meiring furthermore commended the law enforcement team for their efforts: “This operation highlights the strong collaboration between our Law Enforcement and Cleansing teams. It demonstrates our firm commitment to curbing illegal dumping and maintaining a clean environment for all residents.”

The municipality urges residents to report illegal dumping and dispose of waste responsibly. Cleaning teams have been actively removing waste from hotspots across George, covering areas including Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Heatherlands, Groene Weide Park, Lawaaikamp, Borchards, Conville, Protea Park, Lavalia, Rosemoor, Kleinkrantz, Touwsranten, Wilderness, Wilderness Heights, Thembalethu, the Garden Route Mall routes, Saasveld Road, CBD, Bo-Dorp, the Garden Route Dam, and the Industrial Area.

HAZARDOUS WASTE OPEN DAY
To promote safe waste disposal, George Municipality will host a Hazardous Waste Open Day on Friday, 28 February 2025, from 08:00 to 15:00 in the Outeniqua Stadium parking area. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous materials, including:

• Automotive waste: Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid, used antifreeze
• Paint & chemicals: Paint, paint thinner, turpentine, pesticides, herbicides
• Electronics & lighting: Household batteries, old TVs, electronics, fluorescent tubes, globes
• Tyres & medical waste: Tyres, needles, expired medicine, tablets

Residents are requested to bring these items in a strong box, preferably in their original labelled containers, and not to mix different types of waste. Please note that the municipality cannot accept explosives, ammunition, radioactive materials, or controlled substances.

For enquiries, please contact 044 802 2900 during office hours.

REPORT ILLEGAL DUMPING
Illegal dumping is a serious health and environmental hazard, and residents are urged to dispose of waste responsibly.

Senior Manager for Environmental Services, Sivuyile Mtila, encourages residents to make use of municipal waste services: “Household waste should be bagged and placed out for collection on designated waste removal days. Builders’ rubble and bulk waste must be taken to the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road).”

To report illegal dumping, contact Law Enforcement at 044 801 6350 or email sprins@george.gov.za. If you witness illegal dumping and can provide names, vehicle registration details, or addresses of those responsible—and are willing to make a statement—this will greatly assist enforcement efforts. While a photograph is not required, it will strengthen the case.

Together, we can keep George clean!