Eskom’s Rooftop Solar Registration Extension Doesn’t Go Far Enough

Dear Editor

Despite Eskom’s extension of Rooftop Solar registration, the DA argues that Eskom hasn’t done enough to reduce charges and requirements that hinder the rapid roll-out of rooftop solar, which helps reduce load-shedding.

The DA demands that Eskom and Nersa review the registration requirements for rooftop solar as a matter of urgency, and do everything in their power to make it easier and cheaper for customers to generate their own electricity.

The announcement by Eskom that it is extending the registration window for rooftop solar systems until March next year is welcome relief for the many customers who were planning to install, or have already installed, solar systems.

Eskom’s extension brings with it an undertaking that it will provide smart meters to customers who register before March next year for free, and that the costs associated with registering will be waived. But it does not go far enough.

While Eskom has waived some costs associated with the installation of the smart meter, the cost of the engineer’s sign-off (estimated at R20 000) will still have to be borne by the customer, who also have to undertake a registration process that often takes months to complete.

It is utterly ridiculous that a government that just a year ago was incentivising customers to install these systems through tax rebates is now putting serious financial impediments in the way of those who wish to do so, ultimately preventing their role in reducing the need for load-shedding.

While customers who remain grid-tied should indeed be levied an “availability charge” for using Eskom as a backup to their solar systems (to provide for the ongoing upgrading and maintenance of the electrical infrastructure), the extortionate charges for registration amount to little more than Eskom seeking to cover its financial shortfall as it loses customers due to its inability to provide a consistent, reliable supply of electricity.

The DA will continue to fight for every South African’s right to an affordable and secure supply of electricity, whether it is self-generated or purchased from Eskom or another supplier. Rooftop solar remains a viable choice for many South Africans who no longer wish to be subjected the effects of years of financial mismanagement and corruption at Eskom.

Regards

Kevin Mileham MP
DA Spokesperson on Electricity & Energy