The registration and application for connection processes for embedded generation Western Cape

The document outlines the regulatory requirements for embedded generation in South Africa, specifically focusing on the transition to a 100 MW license-exempt threshold. It details the two-phase process involving connection approval from a licensed distributor (municipality or Eskom) followed by registration with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

• The South African embedded generation market reached an estimated installed capacity of 1.5 GW in 2021, primarily driven by rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations of less than 1 MW.
• An amendment to Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006, gazetted on 5 October 2021, increased the threshold for embedded generation that can operate without a license from 1 MW to 100 MW.
• Embedded generation facilities with a capacity between 100 kW and 100 MW must register with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), although they do not require a generation license or a ministerial determination.
• Facilities exceeding 100 MW are subject to stricter requirements, including NERSA licensing, national procurement, and being part of a ministerial determination.
• The registration process for systems between 100 kW and 100 MW consists of two distinct phases: first, obtaining connection approval and a confirmation letter from a licensed distributor (such as Eskom or a local municipality), and second, applying for registration with NERSA.
• Failure to correctly license or register installed systems can result in customers being charged a service fee for the disconnection of unauthorised connections or the complete disconnection of electricity supply to the property.
• South Africa's electricity supply is heavily dependent on coal, with Eskom providing approximately 95% of total demand, though coal's share of demand dropped from 87% in 2010 to 79% in 2019.

APA

Poorun, A., & Radmore, J. (2021). The registration and application for connection processes for embedded generation Western Cape. GreenCape. https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/LICENSINGREGISTRATION_CASE_STUDY_24_11-3.pdf

Chicago

Poorun, Argon, and Jack Radmore. The registration and application for connection processes for embedded generation Western Cape. GreenCape, 2021. https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/LICENSINGREGISTRATION_CASE_STUDY_24_11-3.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Poorun |first1=Argon |last2=Radmore |first2=Jack |title=The registration and application for connection processes for embedded generation Western Cape |publisher=GreenCape |date=2021 |url=https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/LICENSINGREGISTRATION_CASE_STUDY_24_11-3.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{poorun2021registration, author = {Poorun, Argon and Radmore, Jack}, title = {{The registration and application for connection processes for embedded generation Western Cape}}, institution = {GreenCape}, year = {2021}, url = {https://greencape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/LICENSINGREGISTRATION_CASE_STUDY_24_11-3.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }