City Power, the electricity utility for the City of Johannesburg municipality, has revised its application process for small-scale embedded generation, adding streamlined steps for customers interested in connecting solar systems and allowing larger generators to sell power back to the grid.

The changes are part of City Power’s strategy to promote renewable energy use while ensuring grid stability as solar adoption rises.

Under the revised application process, customers interested in back-feeding solar power into the grid are required to install a smart or bidirectional meter at their own expense. This step will convert pre-paid to post-paid accounts, ensuring these users contribute to the network service fee essential for maintaining grid infrastructure, the utility said.

To start the process, customers must complete the electricity supply application form and obtain a notification number from the City of Johannesburg. A site inspection will then be arranged and City Power will notify customers when to begin back-feeding power into the grid.

The new requirements include submitting detailed documentation such as an electricity supply form, single-line diagram, inverter datasheet, NRS-compliant inverter certificate, site plans, maintenance procedures, PV commissioning form and certificate of compliance. Additionally, for installations exceeding 350 kVA, a grid impact study is now mandatory.

“This ensures all installations are not only efficient but also safe for integration into the existing grid,” said Isaac Mangena, spokesperson for City Power.

Penny Hall, Director of ModTech Energy, commenting on the new grid study requirement, noted that Eskom’s lines need stability amid the increase in private solar power contributions. “The bottom line is, when there’s a sudden change in electricity draw and an unexpected supply increase, it can cause trouble on the Eskom line.”

Looming tax deadline

There is a growing push among companies to install solar systems ahead of the February tax incentive deadline, Hall stated. National Treasury’s 125% tax deduction on renewable energy investment is set to expire in February 2025, sparking a surge in applications as businesses aim to benefit from the rebate.

To manage the influx, City Power is closely reviewing each application to ensure the grid can support new connections without compromising stability. The grid impact study, which varies in cost depending on the facility’s size, begins at R30 000 (excluding tax) for generating systems under 1 MVA.

In a statement, City Power clarified that, contrary to circulating claims, it has neither halted pre-paid meter installations for solar customers nor imposed a R30 000 fee for those using large amounts of electricity. “City Power would like to put it on record that this is untrue and we are calling for those who are spreading these lies to desist,” said Mangena, noting that the false information has reportedly been spread by some ward councillors.