Eskom is currently working on the installation process,  information will be shared at a later stage.

Yes, there is collaboration. Eskom is part of the German exchange programme that is currently assisting municipalities and the broader renewable industry.

No. An MV-connected generator does not have a cap, but it will depend on the technical evaluation of the network for that point of connection.

Shared network applications are currently dealt with on a case-by-case basis where a time-of-use (TOU) tariff is available.

Yes, currently it is a parallel process where Eskom quotes separately for an electrical load application as well as for the SSEG application.

It is written off. Their banking only allows you to build up “credits” until 31 March each year. Any balance of credits at that point will expire and be “lost”.

Eskom has submitted a tariff proposal for residential TOU to NERSA. We are still awaiting a response. In the meantime, when we do allow residential customers TOU connections, this will be for their use only.

Banking is a very special concession we give for small plants, where we believe we can manage the network and System Operator implications. Increasing the size may have unintended consequences from a network, revenue and cash flow perspective and management of the Distribution and Transmission system.

A quotation for both can be submitted simultaneously. You must note, however, that a fee is payable for the SSEG quotation. This fee is non-refundable. So, if you decide you do not want to proceed with the project, you will not be able to claim back this fee. If you apply for the tariff change, upgrade or conversion, this work is done on the load connection side and the quotation is usually free. Eskom would, however, advise that when you submit the application for a tariff change, an upgrade, or a conversion, you clearly state that this is in response to the future connection of a generator facility. This risk remains with the applicants if they want to submit the applications for quotations in parallel (simultaneously).

Eskom has specific rules for account consolidation, and these must first be adhered to, for example, the accounts must be for the same customer class (large power or small power).

Eskom has not yet opened the window for residential applications as we are currently preparing the resources that would manage this space. We may, on an ad hoc basis, allow an application to be processed if there is sufficient motivation to support it beyond the scope of the allowed window.

If a farm has small power points and large power points, unfortunately, Eskom will not be able to consolidate across the customer classes.

If the cost of the upgrade exceeds R1 million or the size of the upgrade exceeds 1 MVA, the quotation will not be free.

SSEG is not covered in the current standard SANS 10142-1 (wiring of premises for low-voltage installations) and therefore Eskom has established an EGI Report as an interim solution to include the compliance of an installation of SSEG while awaiting the publication of SANS 10142-1-2 (The Wiring of Premises – Part 1-2: Additional special requirement for low-voltage, small-scale embedded generator installation connected in parallel with the normal supply).

Yes, it is possible, but it will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. There are specific rules for consolidation.

The current rules for account consolidation are that accounts must be inside the same provincial boundary, on the same feeder line, in the same customer class (large power user or small power user) and under the same TOU tariff.

The NRS097 document provides guidelines for the industry. However, safety considerations for Eskom’s staff members, equipment, and customers also have to be considered and safety also requires a visible disconnect switch in line with Eskom’s operating regulations.

This is the statutory requirement. The proposed SANS 10142-1-2 document will provide guidance to the industry as to any future requirements in this regard.

Banking is not available to connections greater than 1 MVA at present.

No, there is no application process and cost charge, but the customer still has to complete the official declaration letter to confirm that the system is off-the-grid.

This is the statutory requirement. The proposed SANS 10142-1-2 document will provide guidance to the industry as to any future requirements in this regard.

Tariffs are continuously being reviewed to take cognisance of industry trends and customer behaviour.

Eskom is proposing to make changes to the TOU charges and periods as the system profile has changed. This was included in the 2020 tariff plan, which was never decided on by NERSA. The same changes are being proposed for 2023 and this would impact the credit mechanism for net billing due to the changes to the rates and periods. Once Eskom has submitted to NERSA, detailed information will be provided to the public through forums and the Internet.

The Eskom policy concerning the hybrid application is currently being reviewed and will be communicated to the public in due course.