Chitonge, Horman

The paper begins with a profile of the energy sector, highlighting both the supply as well as demand sides, and focusing on the post-apartheid period. This is followed by a brief analysis of the development of the energy policy, including the main actors in its formulation. The next section looks at the four phases in the development of the energy policy from 1994 to the present. Following this is a brief discussion of how the South African energy policy is influenced by international factors and players, including international agreements on climate change and donors. A section on gender and energy within this policy context is then presented, highlighting earlier efforts to promote gender-sensitive energy policies and services. Next is an analysis of the Free Basic Energy (FBE) and the Free Basic Alternative Energy (FBAE) policies, focusing on how these policies are implemented, their impact on the poor, especially women. This section also discusses the existing challenges in implementing pro-poor energy policy interventions. Finally, the conclusion emphasizes the importance of not just formulating gender sensitive energy policies, but also concrete strategies which would ensure that women’s voices and concerns, as energy users and citizens, are given equal attention.