My Tip for Trevor

[duncan drennan]

I'm not exactly sure what those particular systems entail. I think they are large photovoltaic systems to generate electricity (which can also be sold back to the grid). Some are also solar water heaters.

The thing that is interesting to me though is the model, rather than the specifics of their installations. It lowers the barrier to entry to some of these products.

For example, to get a decent solar water heating system in SA costs around R20k, which is a fair chunk of upfront investment that takes quite a while to pay for itself. If you frame that in the context of our energy crisis, it may be a valid way of making these sort of systems accessible on a larger scale.

[Dave A]

Got the links to work now. I loved this little bit.

“This is going to create green collar jobs,” said Bates.

Really appeals to my sense of humour.

[Dave A]

Time is running out for anyone wanting to send a tip to Trevor this time round - Budget speech day is 20th February.

"Since the 2007 Budget Speech the Ministry has received over 600 tips covering tax, macro-economics, social, and light hearted issues."

Good on you, Duncan

[duncan drennan]

What do you think about introducing a tax incentive for purchasing an energy efficient home? This is how it could work...

A registered evaluator (possibly the people who issue your COC?) could use some sort of standard for evaluating the energy efficiency of a home (e.g. solar geyser, insulation, window insulation) - this could possibly even include water usage (e.g. toilet cistern size, composting toilets, low-flow shower heads).

Based on this evaluation, a tax rebate could be given on transfer fees. This would motivate people to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, even if it is only just before the sale, as it effectively makes it cheaper for the buyer.

Further, there could be tax incentives for developers to build using energy efficient methods (choice of material, lighting, plumbing) which would result in better homes being built.

[Debbiedle]

I think your idea rocks! The fact is that many developers are simply placing the cheapest short term solution in the budget without looking at the long term implications, obviously because of the bottom line. Make it worth their while to do things differently!

[Dave A]

Duncan has lots of great ideas. I'm just a little concerned about the sophistication involved. More and more it seems simpler is better.

Still - worth sending as a new tip for Trevor.

[duncan drennan]

I'm just a little concerned about the sophistication involved.

Good point, so how do we make it simpler?

]Duncan has lots of great ideas

Thanks

[Dave A]

Good point, so how do we make it simpler?

Hmm. We want something easily measurable and less "subjective." How about average daily electricity consumption?

I still see challenges with that - for example winter and summer have different consumption drivers. Any other ideas?

[duncan drennan]

What do you think is difficult to measure and is "subjective" about the original idea?

[Dave A]

If we look at the original idea:

A registered evaluator could use some sort of standard for evaluating the energy efficiency of a home (e.g. solar geyser, insulation, window insulation) - this could possibly even include water usage (e.g. toilet cistern size, composting toilets, low-flow shower heads).

It was the insulation aspect that worried me most. Ultimately, I'd be looking for something that wasn't easy to fudge. We have enough officials who have lucrative sidelines for favourable interpretations of rules already.

If there is something really simple - a critical control point that gives an indication of all the other stuff anyway - rather go for that. If it can't be done, we need to live with the complexity. But always check for that critical control point - that's the first prize.

[duncan drennan]

If there is something really simple - a critical control point that gives an indication of all the other stuff anyway - rather go for that. If it can't be done, we need to live with the complexity. But always check for that critical control point - that's the first prize.

Okay, good point. The tricky thing with energy consumption is that it will vary with users. The idea would be to reward (rebate) for a particular type of capital investment in a property.

[Dave A]

Okay, good point. The tricky thing with energy consumption is that it will vary with users.

True - but the big energy gobblers deal with heating and cooling. Insulation and design are significant factors as to how efficiently the energy is managed and conserved.

We don't need to cover all the points, just the big ones that really count.

Murdock also mentioned power ratios...

[Dave A]

It's tips for Trevor time again.

The finance ministry has again invited members of the public to send their suggestions on what they would like to see included in the country's Budget.

The annual Tips for Trevor campaign is run throughout the year and provides a platform for the public to engage with Finance Minister Trevor Manuel on issues related to the economy that affect their lives.

Tips received since the last Budget speech ranged from ideas on job creation and the child support grant to the introduction of an annual licence fee for cyclists, and many more, the ministry said on Wednesday.

The campaign was launched in 2001 and the ministry has received increasing numbers of tips each year, it added.

Since the 2008 Budget speech, over 500 tips covering tax, macro-economic policy, social and general issues had been received.

"The minister reads all tips and makes mention of some of the more memorable ones during his Budget speech," the ministry said.

Manuel is scheduled to deliver his 2009 Budget speech in the National Assembly on February 11.

Tips for Trevor can be sent to www.treasury.gov.za/tipsfortrevor.asp

Hmm. It's going to interesting to see Trevor's growth forecast for the coming year.

[duncan drennan]

It is two years down the line, but the "IBT" (incandescent bulb tax) has been introduced - R3 at the manufacturing level.

[Debbiedle]

Heard that Duncan! Bet you are pleased!!!!