Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity and Energy, said affordability is the main pillar in South Africa’s Revised Electricity Pricing Policy.
Speaking to media on Tuesday, Ramokgopa said the revised policy aims to modernize the national pricing framework, align it with recent sector reforms, and transition toward cost-reflective tariffs whilst continuing the protection of low-income households and supporting distressed industries.
The policy will be gazetted for public comment on Friday, 21 August 2026.
The South African Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), is among organisations who commented about the policy.
The organisation said its Professor Prathaban Moodley, accompanied by the Head of the DSTI Energy Secretariat, continue to support the Department of Electricity and Energy, with technical and analytical expertise.
“These reforms highlight the importance of energy modelling, data and digitalisation, energy efficiency, distributed-energy technologies, municipal energy systems and long-term energy planning in building a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity system for South Africa.”
The proposed policy, according to SANEDI, is expected to undergo public consultation before finalisation, and provides for transparency in electricity tariffs and cost structures.
It proposes a 10-year electricity price outlook to improve investment certainty, considers increasing Free Basic Electricity for qualifying indigent households from 50 kWh to approximately 200–300 kWh per month.
It also considers improving the administration of Free Basic Electricity through a national database, strengthened Negotiated Pricing Agreements to support investment, growth and employment, greater oversight of municipal tariffs and electricity resellers, recognition of rooftop solar and other distributed-energy resources, as well as a greater focus on maintaining and expanding electricity infrastructure.
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