Apply for a standby generator
Residents and businesses who wish to operate a standby or backup generator using the City’s electrical network are required to submit an application to Electricity Services.
How to apply
A standby generator serves as a safety net for those moments when the lights go out and you’re not prepared. If you intend for the generator to synchronise with, or draw from, the City’s electrical network then you must submit an application to the City's Electricity Generation & Distribution Department.
Please note
If you plan to operate the generator outside of the City’s electrical network, you do not need to submit an application to Electricity Services. However, you will still need to get approval from the Development Management Department for applicable building plans, zoning and subdivision.You will also need to contact
City Health Specialised Services to make sure noise levels, ventilation, pollution, and air quality are within regulations.
Step 1: Download the Connection of Low Voltage Standby Supply Application Form from the document downloads section below. Ensure you have attached all supporting documentation and checked the relevant boxes on the form.
Supporting documentation you will need:
- site plan showing a scaled map of existing services
- preliminary designs showing generators, transformers, customer circuitry interfacing with City of Cape Town electrical network, isolating devices, protection schemes, operating characteristics, etc.
- written approval provided by an
Engineering Council of South Africa registered professional engineer or technologist for the complete electrical installation design, construction and commissioning
You will also need approval for the following before you submit your application:
Finally, your application will have to state that you meet the national standards as set out by the South African National Bureau of Standards. These can be found in the guidelines for electrical contractors in the document downloads section below.
Step 2: Once you have completed your application and made sure that all supporting documentation is present, you can submit it manually at any of the following Customer Support Service offices:
Area North Test & Metering Building
Ndabeni Electricity Complex
Melck Street
Ndabeni 7405
OR
Area East Electricity Services
Head Office
Private Bag X44
Bellville
7535
OR
Area South
1st Floor
Wynberg Electricity Depot
Rosmead Avenue
Wynberg
7800
Please note
After the installation work has been completed, you must submit a certified copy of the Certificate of Compliance before your electricity supply is reconnected.
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