Cape Town is moving ahead with a new plan to reduce its reliance on Eskom by buying electricity generated from waste. The proposal forms part of the City’s wider push to protect residents and businesses from rising energy costs. According to Cape Town Etc, the City wants to source this power from independent producers through a competitive Power Purchase Agreement model that could run for up to 20 years.

At Least 5MW Targeted

The City is aiming to secure at least 5 megawatts of electricity through the proposed waste-to-energy initiative. But there is a clear condition attached. The project will only move forward if it makes commercial sense. Cape Town Etc reported that city officials want the cost of this electricity to come in below Eskom’s current tariffs. That means affordability will be central to whether the plan becomes a reality.

Cleaner Energy is Part of the Deal

Cost is not the only factor on the table. The City also wants the power source to be cleaner than Eskom’s grid. That means any waste-to-energy project will need to keep emissions below the levels linked to Eskom-supplied electricity. This gives the proposal a double purpose: cutting costs while also backing a lower-emissions energy supply for the metro.

Why Cape Town Wants Options Beyond Eskom

The pressure to find alternatives is growing. Cape Town Etc said Mayoral Committee Member for Energy Xanthea Limberg highlighted how heavily the City still depends on Eskom for bulk electricity purchases. Around 70% of the City’s tariff income currently goes towards buying power from Eskom. That leaves limited room to absorb price shocks and adds pressure to household and business budgets.

Big Test for the City’s Energy Drive

If the proposal succeeds, it could mark another step in Cape Town’s effort to diversify its power supply and take some pressure off residents. The plan is still tied to strict pricing and emissions rules, but it signals that the City is actively searching for practical ways to reshape how it buys electricity in the years ahead.