Eskom Softens Rooftop Solar Rules but Keeps One Threat Ahead of 30 September Deadline
- Eskom Distribution revised its rooftop solar registration rules after pressure from civil oversight groups and industry stakeholders
- The utility dropped several enforcement threats but insists it can still disconnect systems it considers unsafe
- OUTA argues that homeowners with a valid Certificate of Compliance are legally protected from disconnection
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Source: Getty Images
South African homeowners with rooftop solar installations are navigating a shifting regulatory landscape after Eskom Distribution softened its compliance stance while holding firm on one key threat.
Following pressure from the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) and industry groups, Eskom extended its registration deadline for residential small-scale embedded generation systems from 31 March 2026 to 30 September 2026.
The utility also dropped its earlier demand for a sign-off from an Engineering Council of South Africa registered engineer, accepting instead a standard Certificate of Compliance issued by an electrician registered with the Department of Employment and Labour. Threats to fine or immediately disconnect customers who miss the voluntary registration deadline have also been withdrawn.
Eskom's remaining enforcement threat
Despite these concessions, Eskom maintains that it can disconnect any rooftop solar or battery storage system it deems unsafe. This is where OUTA draws a firm line.
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The civil oversight organisation argues that the threat has no legal bite for homeowners who hold a valid Certificate of Compliance. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, such a certificate is recognised as legal proof of technical compliance. Eskom would first need to prove in court that a homeowner's CoC is fraudulent or invalid before any lawful disconnection could take place.
OUTA further contends that low-voltage systems installed behind a customer's meter fall outside the regulatory jurisdiction of NERSA and Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act, because these systems lack a formal point of connection to the main grid. Safety standards for these installations are governed by SANS 10142-1 under the OHS Act, not Eskom's internal NRS specifications. Inverters certified under SANS 10142-1 are designed to prevent dangerous back-feeding during grid outages.
What this means for solar owners
According to reports, homeowners whose systems do not feed power back onto the national grid and who hold a valid electrician-issued CoC are in a strong legal position. Eskom is using the 30 September 2026 date to encourage voluntary registrations, which currently carry no fees, but the CoC remains the primary document required for lawful safety compliance.
Solar owners are advised to ensure their systems were installed by a qualified electrician and that a valid CoC is on record before the deadline arrives.
Source: Getty Images
More on SA electricity and Eskom
- Briefly News recently reported on how pensioners and low-income households in Joburg, Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria can access free basic electricity.
- AfriForum announced it will oppose Eskom's proposed 8.8% tariff hike, pointing to the utility's R30.35 billion profit.
- A standard 5kW solar system suits households spending roughly R1,400 a month on electricity, but the price tag changes dramatically depending on the setup.
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Source: Briefly News
