BONUS - RUSTENBURG - Earlier this month, Eskom proposed a new connection fee to National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), which, if successful, would mean that every household connected to its grid, would have to pay an additional R500 per month to stay connected to the grid.
Furthermore, households that generate their own electricity, such as rooftop solar installations, will be fined heavily to make up for losses in electricity sales. Solar power users would be required to register their systems by 31 March 2026, or face penalties. These changes are part of Eskom’s efforts to address shifts in electricity consumption and grid management.
The R500 connection fee would be a monthly charge applied to every household to cover the costs of maintaining the electricity network, regardless of the amount of electricity consumed. This is an increase from Eskom’s current connection fee, which stands at approximately R368 per month. While intended to support grid infrastructure, the fee means that households using less electricity - including those with solar systems or smaller families - will still face a substantial fixed monthly cost.
Households with rooftop solar and other small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems must register their installations with Eskom by 31 March 2026. Failure to register by this deadline could result in a registration penalty exceeding R9 000.
In some cases, solar users have been asked to undertake additional compliance measures such as obtaining updated certificates, structural assessments, or installing isolation devices. These requirements may lead to further expenses, with some homeowners reporting costs ranging from tens of thousands of rands.
These changes have raised concerns among consumer advocates and solar users. Many worry that the R500 connection fee and solar system registration costs will disproportionately affect households that have invested in energy efficiency or renewable energy. According to Eskom’s data, households consuming less than 700kWh monthly - a group that includes many solar users and lower-income families - may see an overall increase in their electricity costs under the new fee structure.
Eskom has stated that the R500 connection fee is necessary to maintain the reliability and safety of the electricity grid as consumption patterns evolve. The registration of solar systems is intended to ensure compliance with safety standards and proper integration with the grid. Eskom also emphasises that the registration process is free before the March 2026 deadline.
