Cape Town faces energy challenges including constrained energy supply, a growing population, energy poverty and the impacts of climate change. This is why we are shifting towards a more resilient, resource efficient and sustainable energy future for all Capetonians.

General

The City generates and distributes electricity in the Cape Town municipal area. Find out more about electricity in Cape Town, as well as how you can make changes in your home to switch to a more sustainable energy future.

• The cost of electricity
• Saving electricity
  
• Electricity meter readings
• Prepaid/credit meters
• Load-shedding
• Going solar
• Report a fault

Energy strategy

Our energy strategy, titled ‘Our Shared Energy Future: The 2050 Energy Strategy for the City of Cape Town’, aims to achieve energy security for a prosperous Cape Town by ending load-shedding over time and navigating the changing energy system to the benefit of all. By coming together, we hope to build a resilient energy system where all residents and businesses have access to reliable, affordable, and carbon-neutral energy services.

This will be achieved through the implementation of three commitments and two enablers:

• Commitment 1: Harness new energy supply
• Commitment 2: Alleviate energy poverty
  
• Commitment 3: Optimise energy use
• Enabler A: Operate a future-fit utility business
• Enabler B: Action by residents, businesses and partners

Download the City's mobile app for iOS or Android: Apple Store | Google Play

Apply

You can apply for a number of electricity and renewable energy services. Whether you are interested in applying for an electricity connection, small scale embedded generation, a standby generator, a prepaid electricity meter and more, we can assist.

We have listed some of the application processes below, to make it easier for you to find the information you need.

• Apply for an electricity connection
• Apply for authorisation to install an embedded generation system
• Apply for a standby generator
  
• Apply to sell surplus SSEG electricity to the City
• Electricity application forms
  

Rooftop solar photovoltaic systems

If your home or business generates renewable energy onsite, you can benefit from lower electricity costs and contribute to a more secure and sustainable future for Cape Town.

We encourage you to install private Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems, particularly rooftop solar PV system, if you are able to do so. Find out more on choosing a solar PV system.

If you are considering installing a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, but you are not sure how to do it safely and legally, follow our guidelines for safe and legal installations.

They will help you:

• make informed decisions about what type of PV system to install;
• evaluate your prospective service providers; and
  
• understand all the key requirements before, during and after installation.

Remember: You need to apply for authorisation to install an embedded generation system, such as a rooftop solar PV.

Since 1 October 2023, all new solar PV and/or battery systems are being treated as grid-tied and must use City-approved inverters, have professional sign-off and be authorised before switching on.

We will no longer be accepting applications for standby and off-grid systems. Systems that have already been authorised will remain valid, and pre-October 2023 applications for standby/off-grid systems will still be processed, but priority will be given to grid-tied systems using City-approved inverters.

Read through our SSEG Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to all your solar PV questions.

Commercial

• Energy usage regulations for buildings
• Make your building smarter
• Make your office smarter
• Generator options for businesses
• Independent power producers
• Electricity wheeling
  
• Load curtailment
  
• Tariffs
• Energy Water Waste Forum
  

Related information

Find out more about climate change, renewable energy and making better energy choices.

• Cape Town’s state of energy
  
• Let’s act against climate change
• Renewable energy sources in Cape Town
  
• Electric vehicles
• Energy efficiency and renewable energy in municipal facilities
• Open data portal
  
• Make smarter living choices
• Smart home disclosure form
  

Report electricity faults and vandalism

• Online: www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
• Email: power@capetown.gov.za
• Call: 0860 103 089
  
• SMS: 31220 (free SMSes do not apply)

Contact us

Energy enquiries form

Submit your energy enquiry online.

Sustainable Energy Markets enquiries

Email:
Sustainableenergymarkets.enquiries@capetown.gov.za

Independent power producer enquiries

Email:
Electricityipp.enquiries@capetown.gov.za

Small-scale embedded generation

For more information on SSEG, email electricityapplication.queries@capetown.gov.za or contact the representative in your area using the contact information below. Find out which area your suburb falls into.

Area North

Telephone:
021 444 1394 / 021 444 8333 / 021 444 3991 / 021 444 0752

Area East

Telephone:
021 444 8511 / 021 444 8334 / 021 444 8335 / 021 444 2282 / 021 444 2265

Area South

Telephone:
021 444 2097 / 021 400 4750 / 021 400 4751 / 021 400 4752 / 021 400 4753