Having a Say (Energy)

What this course is about

This course shows communities how to take part in decisions about renewable energy projects, how to follow what projects have promised, how to obtain information, and how to raise concerns through the right channels.

Who it is for

Community members, trust members, ward committees, civil society organisations, project community liaison staff and municipal officials.

What you will be able to do

1. Take part effectively in public participation on an environmental authorisation application.
2. Monitor whether a project's community development commitments are being delivered.
3. Request information from a project or a public body, and know what to do if refused.
4. Use grievance mechanisms and escalation routes in the right order.

Preview: the first two minutes

Module 1 · Introduction · 2 min

Calm illustrated scene (fictional, Moya): a notice about a proposed solar park appears at the Moya post office. The comment deadline is in a few weeks. Most residents never see it.

Modules

1. 

   Module 1 · 18 min

   Public participation in environmental approvals

   Take part effectively in public participation on an environmental authorisation application.

2. 

   Module 2 · 18 min

   Following the commitments: monitoring development spending

   Monitor whether a project's community development commitments are being delivered.

3. 

   Module 3 · 18 min

   The right to know

   Request information from a project or a public body, and know what to do if refused.

4. 

   Module 4 · 18 min

   Grievances and escalation

   Use grievance mechanisms and escalation routes in the right order.

Go deeper

Optional, outside the 72 minutes.

• A written request for information: name the record you need, say why you need it (for a private body, the right it helps you exercise or protect), give your name and contact details, and keep a dated copy.
• A five-indicator community scorecard: list five specific indicators, record the evidence for each (dated photographs from public places, reports, minutes), and rate the progress each time you update it.
• Renewable Energy School Course 1, Module 3, for what projects promise communities.

Sources

• https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/environment-forestry-and-fisheries-renewable-energy-development-zones-and
• https://www0.sun.ac.za/cst/?p=1324
• https://www.acts.co.za/promotion-of-access-to-information/70__mandatory_disclosure_in_public_interest.php
• https://www.mondaq.com/southafrica/contracts-and-commercial-law/1797238/landmark-ruling-for-private-bodies-under-paia-information-regulators-enforcement-notice-against-mining-house
• https://www.ifc.org/content/dam/ifc/doc/mgrt/ifc-performance-standards.pdf
• https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/guidingprinciplesbusinesshr_en.pdf