- Six step approval process seen as adding cost, delays and complexity.
- Valid compliance certificates already meet national safety standards.
- Concerns raised over stalled registrations and impact on private energy investment.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has criticised a new approval and registration process introduced by City Power Johannesburg for small scale embedded generation systems, commonly referred to as solar installations, warning that it creates unnecessary barriers for consumers seeking reliable electricity.
According to OUTA, residents and businesses are increasingly investing in solar solutions not out of convenience but as a response to unreliable grid supply and rising electricity tariffs. However, the utility’s six step process, which requires approvals and inspections both before and after installation, is adding avoidable costs, delays and administrative complexity.
The organisation argues that installations carried out by qualified electricians and supported by a valid Certificate of Compliance already meet national safety and legal requirements. In such cases, additional municipal procedures provide limited practical value.
OUTA chief executive Wayne Duvenage said authorities should avoid imposing processes that burden consumers who are investing their own resources to secure energy supply within existing regulatory frameworks. He noted that additional administrative layers make it more difficult for households and businesses to maintain power security.
Further concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the registration system itself. OUTA reports that previous applications submitted to City Power have largely gone unprocessed, calling into question the purpose and efficiency of the system.
The organisation warned that regulatory overreach could discourage private sector investment in energy resilience, at a time when distributed generation is playing an increasingly important role in stabilising supply.
OUTA called for a more consistent and practical approach across municipalities, urging authorities to recognise valid compliance documentation and reduce administrative barriers. It also highlighted that a lack of alignment between municipalities is contributing to confusion and weakening public trust.
The organisation has appealed to the City of Johannesburg, Eskom, the City of Cape Town and other stakeholders to revise current processes, prioritise safety, and remove unnecessary red tape to support energy security efforts.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
