| Apply for authorisation to install an embedded generation system | <h2 class="sectHeading">About</h2><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>penalties</h4><p>Registered systems will be cross-checked with aerial photographs which we use to identify the existence of all PV systems. Unauthorised embedded generation systems must be authorised or decommissioned and a service fee will be charged. </p></div></div><p>The authorisation process for embedded generation installations applies to small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems with a generation capacity smaller than 1 mega-volt ampere (MVA) and embedded generation (EG) systems with a generation capacity of more than 1MVA and less than 100MVA in properties within the City of Cape Town electricity supply area. The most popular technology is solar photovoltaic (PV).</p><ul><li>If you want to install a system larger than 100MVA, proof of registration from the
<a href="https://www.nersa.org.za/electricity-overview/electricity-licences/" target="_blank">National Energy Regulator (NERSA)</a> is required before we can consider authorisation. Special conditions over and above our requirements may also apply.</li><li>There is no charge to register EG systems. A fee will only be applied if you fail to register your system. Grid engineering studies will be done by the City for the proposed PV installation should these be required.</li><li>If you are in Eskom's area of supply, you need to apply to Eskom for consent to connect the EG to the electrical grid.</li></ul><p>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Maps%20and%20statistics/Electricity%20Distribution%20Licence%20and%20Area%20Boundaries.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Electricity Distribution and Area Boundaries Map</a> to find out if you are located in
<a href="https://www.eskom.co.za/Pages/Landing.aspx" target="_blank">Eskom's</a><i class="icon link-external"></i> area of supply.</p><p>To apply for SSEG authorisation you need to complete the Application for Connection of Embedded Generation form below.</p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>We use your registration to mark off where your system is connected and confirm the quality of the installation so our staff and contractors do not get electrocuted when they work on the network.</p></div></div><div class="responsive-media">
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Iu5v51eRSd0" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Authorisation for embedded generation systems </h2>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>SAFER, FAST SOLAR PV APPROVAL
<br></h4><p> In an effort to make SSEG approvals faster and safer, from October 2023 all SSEG applications to the City will be treated as grid-tied systems. This means that all systems need a City-approved inverter and professional sign off. <br><br> Currently many systems using non-approved inverters are not correctly wired, posing risks to the safety and integrity of the network and significantly slowing down the registration process. An approved inverter means quicker authorisation. </p></div></div></span>
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<strong>Step 1:</strong> Complete and submit the following form: </p><ul><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Application%20for%20the%20connection%20of%20Embedded%20Generation.pdf" target="_blank">Application for the Connection of Embedded Generation</a></li></ul><p>The form requires technical information that your installer will be able to assist you with. Details of how to submit the form and supporting documents is included on each form. Email the completed form to the listed email addresses on the application form only.</p><p>This is required for all types of EG including grid-tied, off-grid and standby systems and includes renewable energy and cogeneration arrangements.</p><p>
<strong>Step 2:</strong> We will assess your registration for authorisation. This may include a visit to your property to confirm that your meter and connection are able to support the EG. The visit does not typically require access to your property.</p><p>
<strong>Step 3:</strong> Once all relevant information has been provided, we will issue a Permission to Install Letter, allowing you to install your proposed EG system. It will state what you have registered for authorisation and outline the next steps, including which meter to install. You cannot install any PV generating equipment until you have received this letter.</p><p>
<strong>Step 4:</strong> After you have installed and tested your EG, you will need to submit the following documents to the City: </p><h4>Grid-tied systems:</h4><ul><li>Grid-tied SSEG Installation Commissioning Report (found in Appendix 1 of the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Application%20for%20the%20connection%20of%20Embedded%20Generation.pdf" target="_blank">Application for the Connection of EG form</a>), completed and signed by an
<a href="https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx" target="_blank">Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> registered electrical engineering professional. </li><li>Final copy of the circuit diagram. </li><li>An electrical installation Certificate of Compliance.</li><li>Signed Supplemental Contract for Embedded Generation. </li></ul><p>A Commissioning Approval Letter will then be issued within 10 working days.</p>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p> From October 2023, off-grid / standby systems will no longer be authorised due to the risks they pose and the time required to approve.
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<h4 style="font-size:16px;">Off-grid / standby systems:<br></h4><ul><li>Electrical installation Certificate of Compliance</li></ul><p>A Commissioning Approval Letter will then be issued within 10 working days.<br></p><h4>Unauthorised systems</h4><p>An unauthorised PV system can:</p><ul><li>Increase the risk of fire and other hazards </li><li>Result in injury or death, especially if it is still feeding onto the grid during a power outage. Property owners will be at risk of legal recourse under Occupational Health and Safety laws. </li><li>Cause quality and sustainability problems with the electricity grid, specifically from unknown capacity and schedules of all generation on the network. This information is needed in order to maintain the balance of load and electricity quality.</li></ul><p>Properties with unregistered SSEG will be issued a contravention notice, be liable for a service fee and instructed to:</p><ul><li>Disconnect the SSEG within five working days; </li><li>Provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) as proof </li><li> Register the SSEG within one month and conclude the authorisation process within three months</li></ul><p>Failure to comply could result in the disconnection of the electricity supply to your property.</p><div class="notification with-heading white-copy blue bg-navy"><div class="graphic no-border"><i class="info opportunity"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Did you know?</h4><p>You can
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-to-sell-surplus-sseg-energy-to-the-city">apply to sell surplus SSEG energy to the City</a>.</p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Metering</h2><h4>Grid-tied Embedded Generation:</h4><h4> Feed-in systems</h4><p> If you have a feed-in system, you will need to install an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meter at your own cost. We will issue a metering quotation and, after payment is made, the meter will be installed.</p><p>If you do not intend to feed into the grid, you will need to enable reverse power flow blocking. A prepayment meter is required and will be installed by us at our cost.</p><p>You will be placed on the SSEG tariff from the date your AMI meter is installed. If your AMI meter was previously installed, you will be placed on the SSEG tariff and you will be able to connect your system from the day you receive your Commissioning Approval Letter.</p><h4> Non-feed-in system</h4><p> If you are installing a non-feed-in system (with reverse power flow blocking), you will remain on your current tariff. You will be able to connect your system from the day you receive your Commissioning Approval Letter.</p><h4> Off-grid/standby system<br></h4><p> You will remain on your current electricity tariff and, as part of our meter replacement programme, your meter will be replaced with a prepayment meter at our cost.<br></p>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>See our list of
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Residential-utility-services/Residential-electricity-services/Electricity-application-forms#section-docs" target="_blank">electricity application forms and reference documents</a>.</p></div></div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2><p>For further assistance or more information contact:</p><h4>Area North</h4><p>
<em>Telephone:</em><br><em><a>021 444 1394</a> /
<a>021 444 1396</a> </em><br><br><em>Email:</em><br><a href="mailto:Electricityapplications.north@capetown.gov.za"><em>Electricityapplications.north@capetown.gov.za</em></a><em> </em></p><h4>Area East</h4><p>
<em>Telephone: </em>
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<a>021 444 8511</a></em><br><br><em>Email: </em>
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<a href="mailto:Electricityapplications.east@capetown.gov.za">Electricityapplications.east@capetown.gov.za</a> </em></p><h4>Area South</h4><p>
<em>Telephone:</em><br><em><a> 021 400 4750 </a>/
<a>1</a> /
<a>2</a> /
<a>3</a></em><br><br><em>Email:</em><br><em><a href="mailto:Electricityapplications.south@capetown.gov.za">Electricityapplications.south@capetown.gov.za</a> </em></p> | | GP0|#867ec979-cae6-4865-8a19-7db388795617;L0|#0867ec979-cae6-4865-8a19-7db388795617|Electricity;GTSet|#a7cfb90d-44ad-4426-98ce-565f79932396;GPP|#6c293e71-0db4-42d2-a348-6d21e8d13030;GPP|#54dbab3a-0b2f-4602-8af5-3d651c59a5f4 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Apply for authorisation for an embedded generation system | 0 |
