Nersa deadline faces pushback

Municipalities countrywide are confused and frustrated by a new deadline set by energy regulator Nersa for the submission of electricity tariff applications for 2026-27.

- Antoinette Slabbert

If they don’t comply, they run the risk of having to wait for the increase to be implemented a year late, on 1 July, 2027. That would be devastating to their finances.

In a letter dated 12 November and addressed to “all licensed electricity distributors”, Nersa CEO Nomalanga Sithole said all applications must be submitted on or before 12 December.

She added: “Failure to comply with the request would result in the delay to consider the tariff application and [be] in breach of the applicable laws. Such a failure may also expose the Municipality and Nersa to unnecessary legal challenge which is undesirable.

“Your current tariffs are expiring on 30 June, 2026 and there is no automatic extension as the tariffs are annually approved.”