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 cabinet for public comment with the closing date for submission set as 20 September 2026.
According to the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), the revised policy is government’s “overarching policy framework for electricity pricing and tariff design in South Africa”.
The policy provides the principles and strategic direction within which electricity prices and tariffs are determined, regulated and implemented.
“The current Policy was approved in 2008. Since then, South Africa's electricity sector has undergone significant structural, legislative and institutional developments. These include the introduction of private sector participation in electricity generation, the growth of distributed generation, increased customer choice, the development of arrangements for electricity trading and wheeling, and reforms arising from the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, 2024.
“The revision of the EPP is therefore necessary to ensure that Government’s electricity pricing policy remains fit for purpose and continues to provide clear policy direction as South Africa transforms to an increasingly competitive electricity market,” the DEE said.
The revised policy provides direction on, among other matters:
- the progressive implementation of cost-reflective electricity tariffs, subject to appropriate consumer protection and Government's social and economic objectives;
- the promotion of transparent, understandable and non-discriminatory tariff structures:
- the appropriate treatment and allocation of costs associated with the generation, transmission, distribution and retail supply of electricity;
- the development of pricing arrangements and charges required to support the evolving electricity market architecture:
- wholesale electricity pricing arrangements, including the treatment of energy and capacity-related costs;
- the development and application of transmission and distribution use-of-system charges;
- improved transparency regarding the charges and components reflected in electricity bills;
- the protection of vulnerable and low-income consumers through appropriate social support mechanisms, including Free Basic Electricity and lifeline tariff arrangements;
- the appropriate treatment of cross-subsidies, where these are explicitly authorised or required in pursuit of legitimate public policy objectives;
- negotiated pricing arrangements for distressed industries and alignment to national industrial growth strategy, where permitted in terms of applicable legislation and regulatory requirements; and
- strengthened implementation, monitoring, accountability and institutional responsibilities.
“The consultation process will provide electricity consumers, municipalities, organised labour, business, industry participants, civil society organisations, academic institutions and other interested stakeholders with an opportunity to review the revised Policy and submit representations.
“All submissions received within the prescribed period will be duly considered in the finalisation of the Policy.
“The department encourages stakeholders to provide substantive and constructive comments, particularly on the practicality, clarity and anticipated implications of the proposed policy measures and their implementation,” the department stated.
Comments can be submitted as follows:
- By post at Private Bag X96, Pretoria, 0001
- By hand to: House 192 Visagie Street, Corner Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria
- By email to EPP.Comments@dee.gov.za
“Following the conclusion of the public consultation process, the department will consider the submissions received and finalise the Policy in accordance with the applicable Government policy making and approval processes,” the department noted.
The revised Policy may be accessed at www.gpw.gov.za - Government Gazettes. – SAnews.gov.za
