South Africa updates electricity pricing and dispute rules

South Africa is undergoing significant regulatory updates within its energy sector. The Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) has released a Draft Revised Electricity Pricing Policy for public comment, with a submission deadline of 20 September 2026. The new framework aims to modernize the 2008 policy to reflect structural changes, including private sector participation, distributed generation, and reforms from the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act of 2024.

The revised policy focuses on implementing cost-reflective electricity tariffs while maintaining consumer protections and social objectives. It also seeks to promote transparent and non-discriminatory tariff structures.

Simultaneously, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is consulting on proposed rules for mediation and arbitration to resolve industry disputes. NERSA has scheduled a virtual public hearing for 16 October 2026, inviting stakeholders to review procedures for dispute resolution under the authority of the Electricity Regulation Act.