Pretoria: South Africans are encouraged to have their voices heard by submitting comments on the Draft Revised Electricity Pricing Policy. The revised policy was approved by the cabinet for public comment, with the closing date for submissions set as 20 September 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) describes the revised policy as the government's 'overarching policy framework for electricity pricing and tariff design in South Africa'. The policy outlines the principles and strategic direction within which electricity prices and tariffs are determined, regulated, and implemented.
The current policy, approved in 2008, has seen significant structural, legislative, and institutional developments in South Africa's electricity sector, including private sector participation in electricity generation and the growth of distributed generation. There has also been an increase in customer choice, the development of arrangements for electricity trading and wheeling, and reforms from the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, 2024. The DEE emphasizes the necessity of revising the Electricity Pricing Policy (EPP) to ensure that it remains relevant and continues to provide clear policy direction as South Africa transitions to a more competitive electricity market.
The revised policy addresses several key issues, such as the progressive implementation of cost-reflective electricity tariffs while considering consumer protection and the government's social and economic objectives. It also promotes transparent, understandable, and non-discriminatory tariff structures and outlines the appropriate treatment and allocation of costs related to electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and retail supply. Additionally, it discusses pricing arrangements needed to support the evolving electricity market architecture.
Another important aspect of the policy is the protection of vulnerable and low-income consumers through social support mechanisms, including Free Basic Electricity and lifeline tariff arrangements. It also covers the treatment of cross-subsidies, negotiated pricing arrangements for distressed industries, and strengthened implementation and monitoring responsibilities.
The consultation process invites electricity consumers, municipalities, organized labor, business and industry participants, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to review the revised policy and submit feedback. The DEE encourages stakeholders to provide substantive and constructive comments, particularly regarding the practicality, clarity, and anticipated implications of the proposed policy measures and their implementation.
Comments can be submitted by post to Private Bag X96, Pretoria, 0001, by hand to House 192 Visagie Street, Corner Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, or by email to [email protected]. Following the public consultation process, the department will review the submissions and finalize the policy in line with applicable government policymaking and approval processes.
