By Marcus Moloko
Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced the outcome of the City of Ekurhuleni’s application for a Ministerial Determination under Section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act, to pave the way for the metro to procure electricity generation capacity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
The announcement marks a crucial step in South Africa’s electricity reform programme and expands the role of municipalities in securing their own power supply.
The approval will enable Ekurhuleni to source new generation capacity from independent producers, helping to strengthen energy security, diversify electricity supply and support the transition to more affordable and cleaner energy sources.
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The department said the determination is also expected to attract private sector investment into the energy sector, stimulate local economic development and create opportunities for infrastructure growth within the metro.
Speaking alongside Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile “Doctor” Xhakaza, Ramokgopa said the move represents an important milestone in municipal energy procurement and efforts to improve the reliability of electricity supply.
Senior officials from the Department of Electricity and Energy and the City of Ekurhuleni also attended the announcement.
The development comes as municipalities across South Africa seek greater participation in electricity generation and procurement to reduce pressure on the national grid and improve service delivery to residents and businesses.
This is a developing story.
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