Friendly warning from Eskom to solar power users

Eskom has told its direct residential customers with grid-tied solar power they have roughly a year to register their systems or they will face higher registration fees in the future.

In a statement this past week, the power utility explained that residential customers with small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) installations with up to 50kWp production could qualify for an exemption from registration-related fees until March 2026.

These include fees for the SSEG application, connection, and tariff conversion to Homeflex.

“This initiative was launched during severe load-shedding periods when Eskom decided to waive connection charges for residential rooftop solar installations,” the power utility said.

“This decision was in response to the Energy Action Plan and supported incentives such as the tax rebate for solar installations.”

The message follows multiple media reports about the power utility’s recent public drive to register SSEG systems, which caught many customers off-guard.

Eskom explained the safety of the grid had become a critical focus for both performance and the safety of staff working on it as an increasing number of systems began feeding electricity back into the grid.

“All SSEG installations that operate alongside Eskom’s supply, even those not exporting power back into the grid, must be registered with Eskom or the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa),” the power utility said.

“As a licensed electricity distributor, Eskom ensures that all connections — both load and generation —comply with the required codes, standards, and guidelines set by Nersa.”

“Adhering to these technical standards is crucial for maintaining network security, ensuring the safety of field personnel, and protecting the public.”

The power utility maintained it had “actively engaged” with customers and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of registering SSEGs since 2020.

It also said its customers bills have included a ‘Connect’ publication titled Information on Small Scale Embedded Generation since May 2021.

Eskom said it also held several provincial customer engagements with various associations, including the South African Photovoltaïc Industry Association, SAPOA and AgriSA, and has driven media campaigns.

“To further encourage registration and compliance, Eskom intensified its campaign starting in 2023,” the power utility said.

“By registering their SSEGs with Eskom, customers will meet regulatory requirements, earn by selling surplus energy to Eskom via net billing, store excess power within the utility framework, and reduce their electricity costs through self-generated power.”

Eskom accused of bending the truth

Eskom’s assertion that it has publicly promoted registration contradicts the experience of at least one reputable solar power installer and many of Eskom’s own direct customers.

Based on their experiences, Eskom had long ignored or not bothered to register residential systems.

The utility allegedly amended its SSEG application form sometime between April 2021 and 2023 without changing its revision date to include a provision for registering these smaller systems.

In addition, the Homeflex tariff, which is now compulsory for all residential SSEG systems, was only implemented from April 2023.

Many customers who have applied to register their systems have also reported that Eskom has failed to respond to their emails with all the required documentation and professional sign-offs for months.

Although Eskom is waiving some registration fees, other charges may apply for customers to make their systems compliant with the power utility’s rules. These include fees related to:

• Providing a connection isolation point, dead grid safety lock or electromechanical switch with a coil energised from the utility’s side on the street, accessible to Eskom staff.
• Laying cabling from the meter to the above.
• Obtaining an embedded generation installation compliance test report from an electrician registered with the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa.
• Paying a refundable deposit for a new smart bidirectional meter.

Eskom customers who have gone completely off-grid and are not connected to Eskom’s electricity network are not required to register.

However, Eskom said they must provide proof that their systems function independently of Eskom’s supply.