Eskom’s Solar Squeeze: Homeowners Face Big Bills Amid Legal Showdown with AfriForum

Civil rights organisation AfriForum is taking a stand against Eskom’s new rooftop solar registration rules—calling them vague, potentially unlawful, and unfairly expensive for South African households.

AfriForum sent a legal notice to the power utility, giving it until 18 April to respond with clarity on the legal basis for its new requirements targeting Small-Scale Embedded Generators (SSEGs) under 100kW. The move follows weeks of frustration over Eskom’s demand that all solar-powered homes connected to its grid register their systems and install smart meters—all at the homeowners’ expense.

“Eskom’s communication makes registration sound mandatory, yet they fail to cite any specific regulation backing this,” said Morné Mostert, AfriForum’s Manager of Local Government Affairs.

The Price of Going Green

For many solar users, the cost of compliance is proving daunting. To register their system, homeowners must have a certified engineer or technologist sign off on the installation. Coupled with the need to install smart meters, the total cost could range anywhere from R10,000 to R50,000—a serious financial burden for households trying to reduce their energy bills.

While Eskom argues that these measures are necessary to protect the national grid and ensure safety compliance, AfriForum disagrees, especially as no clear regulatory framework has been presented.

“Eskom’s silence makes one wonder if they’re trying to cover up the fact that no enforceable regulations like this even exist,” said Deidré Steffens, AfriForum’s Advisor for Local Government Affairs.

What the Experts Say

Energy expert Professor Vally Padayachee, a former Eskom executive, believes some cost estimates are exaggerated. While some reports claim compliance could cost as much as R50,000, Padayachee notes that a more realistic estimate for most small-scale systems is around R10,000.

He clarified that for systems up to 12kW, a GreenCard-certified electrician is usually sufficient. However, systems between 12kW and 200kW require sign-off by a Professional Engineer, Technologist, or Certificated Engineer. Larger systems over 250kW must be certified by professionals registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

Legal Showdown Looms

AfriForum’s legal team is now demanding that Eskom provide specific references to laws or regulations that support its registration demands. If no reply is received by 18 April, the organisation has vowed to pursue legal action.

“We’re not against safety regulations,” said Mostert, “but Eskom must show us the law. Until then, this feels like a form of punishment for trying to go green.”

As Eskom tightens control over private solar installations, legal pressure is mounting. With thousands of South African households investing in solar to escape loadshedding and high electricity costs, Eskom’s new rules could be seen as a step backward for energy independence—unless it can prove the legality of its demands.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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