Eskom extends waiver on rooftop solar registration charges for customers up to 50kVA

Eskom has extended a waiver of registration-related charges for customer-owned generation systems of up to 50kVA that connect directly to Eskom’s distribution network. The waiver is in effect until further notice, Eskom said.

Who the waiver covers

The measure applies only to customers who are supplied directly by Eskom. Customers supplied by municipalities must follow their local redistributor’s requirements.

Registration remains mandatory

Eskom emphasised that registration remains a regulatory requirement under the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006; the waiver removes certain registration-related charges but does not remove the registration obligation. Eskom said registration provides installation-specific information that helps with network planning, voltage management, equipment protection, fault analysis and the safety of employees working on the grid.

Eskom’s rationale and next steps

Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said the extension is intended to support the safe integration of rooftop solar into the national grid and to make compliance more accessible. She framed the waiver as a way to remove cost barriers while ensuring safety and reliability.

“We want customers to know that registration is not about discouraging solar adoption – it is about ensuring safety, reliability, and proper integration into the grid. By waiving registration‑related charges, Eskom is making compliance clear, accessible, and affordable,” Mokwena said.

Mokwena added that Eskom’s immediate priorities are education and assistance so customers can register qualifying installations as simply as possible, while protecting customers, contractors, employees and the wider electricity network.

Platform and international context

Eligible customers can begin the process on Eskom’s Small‑Scale Embedded Generation registration platform. Eskom said a review of 20 international electricity markets found that registration or approval of customer‑owned generation is common practice. The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) also supports registration as part of responsible solar adoption.

Policy reversal and penalties

In February 2026, Eskom reversed a previous position that would have fined unregistered customers after March 2026. That decision followed criticism from the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa). Eskom said the waiver extension gives households time to regularise systems without financial penalties.

What the public should note

• The waiver applies to customer‑owned generation systems up to 50kVA connecting directly to Eskom’s distribution network.
• The waiver is in effect until further notice.
• Registration remains a legal requirement under the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, even where charges are waived.
• The waiver does not apply to customers supplied by municipalities; those customers must follow local redistributor rules.