SAAEA considered the nature of the financing required for large-scale and small-scale power stations and the potential for small, micro and medium- sized enterprises (SMME's) and homeowners to produce electricity. The ultimate cost to South Africa if the old methods to generate electricity are continued with is a staggering R2.3 trillion over 20 years. The relative speed of delivery of tenders, the feed in tariff (FIT) and the net metering processes was compared. Finance options for the net metering alternative were examined. It was pointed out to the committee that it is a myth that energy had to be supplied by big technology and big business.