By:Iol

Eskom has extended its zero registration fee for residential Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems until March 2026.

Launched on April 1, 2025, this initiative helps homeowners adopt solar power by reducing costs and supporting cleaner energy in South Africa.

Brought into effect in March 2023, Eskom’s policy exempts homeowners from registration fees and the costs associated with installing a smart meter for systems rated up to 50kVA— with larger installations attracting different fee structures.

This means that residential customers not only avoid upfront costs, but can also capitalise on savings of approximately R9,132 due to the ongoing exemption from connection and tariff conversion fees.

“Our objective is to help residential owners comply with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) regulations while simultaneously supporting green energy initiatives,” said an Eskom spokesperson.

“This campaign illustrates our commitment to promoting renewable energy and the necessary safety measures within the network.”

The push towards solar energy is underscored by NERSA’s regulations that mandate all properties with embedded generation systems, regardless of their size, to register with Eskom or their local municipality.

This measure aims to bolster grid safety amidst the growing prevalence of renewable energy sources. Customers who opt for a fully off-grid solution are exempt from registration, provided they can prove their systems operate independently.