EDI reform consultation Municipal IPP project preparation and procurement manual
The purpose of this Manual is to guide South African municipalities when engaging in the process of designing, preparing, procuring, and implementing a process for purchasing generated electricity from an IPP. The history of municipal IPP procurement in South Africa shows that while there is a strong interest by municipalities to increase their energy resilience […]
Wholesale market and EDI reform updates and discussion:engaging from a local municipality perspective
Several critical transitions and processes are underway in the South African electricity sector, including the transition to a wholesale electricity market and reforms in municipal electricity distribution. Engagement with these complex and intertwined processes is important to ensure optimal socio-economic outcomes and municipal financial sustainability. This presentation unpacks what this reform means from a local […]
Electricity pricing and sector reform: A summary of key concepts and strategic
South Africa is undergoing a profound and complex transformation of its electricity sector. This transformation, while aligned with global trends, is intensified by local challenges, chief among them being historic underinvestment in infrastructure, an outdated structure (vertically integrated monopoly), Eskom’s financial instability, and persistent electricity supply shortages. As a result, the sector must attract substantial […]
Synthesis Report on The State of Readiness for the JET in Municipalities
This report evaluates the state of readiness of ten South African municipalities in their journey toward the Just Energy Transition (JET). The analysis is rooted in the objectives of achieving a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy while ensuring social equity and inclusivity. The report synthesises insights from diverse socio-economic and infrastructural contexts, reflecting the challenges and opportunities […]
Policy to power: Ten actions to deliver green, accessible and secure electricity
South Africa is at a pivotal moment in electricity reform. After more than a century of monopoly control, the country is moving towards a multi-market electricity model designed to unlock the investment needed to deliver a least-cost, resilient power system – one that can support rapid economic growth while creating increased competitiveness through lower energy […]
Community Engagement: A Key Lever For Pursuing & Enabling More Just Outcomes In The Energy Transition In South Africa
This report details the ENGAGE initiative piloted by the Cultiver Group over 18 months in two South African communities, one in the Western Cape (Laingsburg) and one in the Northern Cape (Sutherland). To address the gaps in communication between RE project host communities and project owners, a toll-free community hotline was set up to support […]
Electricity reform in South Africa: Implications and opportunities for municipalities
This study assesses how electricity reform impacts the municipal electricity business model, focusing on financial sustainability, operational readiness, socio-economic mandates, and long-term strategic positioning. In South Africa, a typology-based scenario analysis shows that without targeted support, many municipalities, particularly smaller and under-resourced ones, risk falling behind. Progressive metros, however, are well-positioned to lead through IPP […]
The role of municipalities with the introduction of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act
The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act (ERAA) marks a transformative shift in South Africa’s energy landscape, aiming to foster a more competitive and decentralised electricity market. It builds on interim reforms introduced since 2021, which initially allowed private generation projects of up to 100 MW without requiring a license from the National Energy Regulator of South […]