NERSA establishes Electricity Market Advisory Forum to transform South Africa's electricity sector
Image: IOL/Independent Newspapers
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has taken a significant step towards transforming the country's electricity sector by approving the establishment of the Electricity Market Advisory Forum (EMAF).
This new advisory body, formed under the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, aims to provide expert guidance on the development and regulatory oversight of South Africa's emerging competitive electricity market.
In a statement issued on Friday, NERSA's Head of Communications, Charles Hlebela, highlighted the importance of the EMAF in navigating the profound changes anticipated in the sector.
'The decision recognises the transformative shift in the electricity landscape, driven by amendments to the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), which envisage a competitive electricity market within the next five years.
'The EMAF is a strategic move to involve stakeholders early on, fostering a robust, inclusive regulatory environment to support this transition.'
Hlebela stated that the establishment of the EMAF aligns with South Africa's broader energy reform agenda, which includes licensing a Market Operator—likely to be the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA)—and the development of comprehensive Market Rules and Codes.
These regulations will underpin the operation of the nascent wholesale electricity market, which introduces regulatory activities that are relatively new to the South African context, such as market surveillance and enforcement.
Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Strengthening
According to NERSA, the EMAF's primary role will be advising NERSA on key regulatory frameworks, including the finalisation of Market Rules and Codes crucial for the market's launch.
It added that the forum will also provide insights on the necessary enablers for a competitive market, such as licensing procedures, operational oversight, and enforcement mechanisms.
Recognising the complexity and novelty of these activities, NERSA emphasised the importance of stakeholder consultation and institutional capacity building.
'An inclusive consultation process like the EMAF will help ensure all stakeholders are prepared for the evolving market. This initiative will foster readiness among industry players, regulators, and end-users alike, " said Hlebela.
Composition and Operational Framework
While specific details about the appointment process are yet to be finalised, NERSA indicated that the EMAF's membership would be carefully curated to include a diverse blend of institutional representatives, industry experts, and end-user perspectives.
The energy regulator said that the Market Rule Project Team is currently finalising the forum's terms of reference, which will outline its scope, mandate, membership criteria, and code of conduct.
[email protected]
IOL Politics
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Lucky Star Pilchards under fire over shock 'shrinkflation'
Lucky Star has come under fire after consumers have been posting the contents of their near-empty tinned pilchard cans. The canned fish company is a staple in many South African homes, and was a favourite of the late former minister, Tito Mboweni. LUCKY STAR PILCHARDS UNDER FIRE OVER CONTENTS On the X app, user Pranesh Luckan shared pics of his decanted Lucky Star Pilchards can. The pictures show three small pieces of canned fish and a substantial quantity of tomato sauce. 'Guys, I know this is our national tinned fish brand, but what kind of shrinkflation is this? 3 and 1/2 pieces of fish weighing 136g in a 400g can. Is @LuckyStarSA selling pilchards or tomato sauce?' he asked in a tweet that has gone viral. Another X user – @@_spreadhappines – received just one pilchard in their can. On its official account, the brand responded to the posts, stating: 'We are sorry to hear this – and can assure you that this is not the proper standard that Lucky Star strives to uphold'. According to Luckan, Lucky Star would also be investigating the production batch of the can. In the past few years, rising food prices have drastically increased the cost of tinned pilchards like the Lucky Star brand. However, earlier this year, the Competition Commission's latest Essential Food Pricing Monitoring (EFPM) report revealed that pilchards were one of a few essential items whose price had slightly decreased. A 400 gram can of pilchards is priced between R25 and R30 at major retailers. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
8 hours ago
- eNCA
The deadly cost of cheap electrical goods
JOHANNESBURG - In a tough economy, cheap electrical goods may seem like a smart saving, but they can carry deadly consequences. READ: Investigation finds counterfeit electrical goods, appliances widely available Uncertified plugs, cables and appliances are flooding South African homes, putting families at risk of fire, electrocution and rejected insurance claims. Despite recent crackdowns, experts warn that enforcement alone can't keep unsafe products out. Checking certification marks and buying only from trusted suppliers will also help consumers take charge. International Export Sales Executive at CBI-electric, Khensani Ndobe, discussed this with eNCA.
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Zimbabwe's Rainbow Tourism Group invests R100 million in Cape Town hotel acquisition
Rainbow Tourism Group-owned Victoria Falls Rainbow hotel in Zimbabwe is within walking distance of the mighty Victoria Falls and very close to all the adventure activities in the resort town. Image: Supplied Tawanda Karombo Zimbabwe-listed hotelier, Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG), is expanding into South Africa with the $5.6 million (nealry R100 million) acquisition of a Cape Town commercial property that it intends to turn into a prime hotel. RTG, which runs city and resort hotels in Zimbabwe, said on Thursday that it was in the process of finalising a strategic acquisition in Cape Town through its South African-registered subsidiary, Rainbow Tourism Group (SA). RTG SA has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Elleke Hospitality for this acquisition. Under the agreement, RTG will acquire the seven-storey commercial property located along Buitengracht Street in Cape Town. 'The property which is currently a commercial asset, will undergo adaptive reuse and refurbishment to transform it into a branded hotel operated under a leading international hospitality group,' said Tapiwa Mari, RTG company secretary. 'The total consideration for the acquisition is roughly 9.3% of the company's market capitalisation on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE).' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading RTG said the acquisition of the Cape Town property and its development into a branded hotel was in alignment with the board's overarching mandate to identify and pursue growth opportunities that support the company's long-term vision of expansion. 'To ensure world-class delivery, the Company is presently in advanced discussions with reputable international hotel brands to secure a management agreement for the acquired property,' explained Mari. 'Partnering with a global operator is expected to drive international skills transfer, operational efficiency, and increased visibility of the RTG brand on the global stage.' The redevelopment of the property into a modern, fully operational hotel will be consistent with international hospitality standards guided by the specifications and brand standards of the selected global hotel partner. This will ensure that 'the final product meets world-class benchmarks in design, guest experience, and service' delivery. RTG plans the Cape Town hotel to stand as a competitive and high-impact asset within Cape Town's hospitality landscape. To finance the acquisition, RTG has secured $6m loan facility from a Zimbabwean finance institution at terms it said were consistent with its existing borrowing arrangements. The loan facility carries a fixed interest rate of 12.5% per annum with a tenure of five years. On drawdown, the loan facility is expected to raise RTG's gearing ratio from 9% as at the end of 2024 to approximately 32% post the transaction. With a premium location along a major arterial route leading into Cape Town's Central Business District (CBD) and offering high visibility and pedestrian traffic, the acquisition property has close proximity to key business and leisure landmarks such as including the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the DHL Cape Town Stadium and the Bo-Kaap tourist district. 'This premium location positions the property as an ideal candidate for conversion into a hotel development that caters to both corporate and leisure travellers,' noted Mari. 'Its proximity to the CTICC enhances its suitability for the Meetings, Incentives Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment, while the surrounding cultural, culinary, and recreational attractions boost its appeal to domestic and international tourists alike.' The Cape Town acquisition 'presents an opportunity to diversify both the Group's balance sheet and revenue streams by establishing a presence in one of Africa's most vibrant and competitive tourism' markets. Cape Town is a globally acclaimed destination and a key hospitality hub offering strong market fundamentals, including high occupancy rates, well-developed infrastructure, and year-round international visitor appeal. Mari said establishing a footprint in this environment not only enhances RTG's regional and global profile but also provides direct access to global best practices in hospitality operations, customer experience, and service excellence. BUSINESS REPORT
