KEY POINTS
- Nersa has set March 31, 2026, as the deadline for municipalities to submit electricity tariff applications for the 2026/27 financial year.
- Public consultation on the proposed tariffs will run until April 21, with final decisions expected by May 11.
- The new timeline follows the approval of Eskom’s 9.01% tariff increase and a North Gauteng High Court ruling adjusting the tariff approval process.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa, Nersa, has announced a new schedule for municipalities and electricity distributors to submit their tariff applications for the 2026/27 financial year.
According to NERSA, all municipalities must submit their electricity tariff proposals no later than March 31, 2026. The directive from NERSA is part of efforts to streamline the approval process and ensure that electricity pricing decisions are made well ahead of the next municipal financial year.
Nersa noted that the updated timeline will allow the regulator to review and approve tariffs in time for implementation by municipalities starting from July 1, 2026, when the new financial year begins.
Nersa Says Public Consultation Process to Close in April
As part of the regulatory process, the electricity tariff applications submitted by municipalities will be opened to public scrutiny and stakeholder input.
Nersa said the public consultation period will run until April 21, 2026, giving interested parties, including businesses, civil society organisations, and residents, the opportunity to submit written comments and feedback.
Following the consultation phase, the regulator will evaluate all submissions before finalising its decisions. Nersa is expected to communicate the outcomes of the municipal electricity tariff applications on or before May 11.
The regulator added that the applications have been made publicly available on its website to ensure transparency and encourage stakeholder participation in the tariff-setting process.
Eskom Increase and Court Ruling
The revised schedule comes shortly after the approval of the Retail Tariff and Structural Adjustment (ERTSA) application by Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity utility.
Earlier this month, Nersa authorised a 9.01 percent electricity tariff increase requested by Eskom. The increase will take effect from July 1, 2026, and remain in place until June 30, 2027.
