The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has introduced revised deadlines for municipalities to submit electricity tariff applications for the 2026/27 financial year.
According to the regulator, municipal electricity distributors must submit their tariff applications by the end of March. The updated timeline follows a recent ruling by the High Court of South Africa that required adjustments to the application process.
The announcement comes after NERSA approved a retail tariff and structural adjustment application from Eskom, allowing for a 9.01 percent electricity tariff increase that will take effect from 1 July 2026.
NERSA said the public participation process for municipal electricity tariff applications will remain open until 21 April 2026, with final decisions expected by 11 May 2026. The timeline is intended to ensure municipalities can implement approved tariffs at the start of the new municipal financial year in July.
Municipalities have also been reminded to comply with governance requirements when submitting their applications. These include securing council approval, conducting public consultations and providing audited financial information.
NERSA spokesperson Charles Hlebela warned that municipalities that fail to meet the revised deadlines risk delays in the processing and approval of their tariff applications.
The regulator added that tariff submissions will be published on its website to allow members of the public and other stakeholders to provide written comments before final determinations are made.
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