ESKOM registration: NOTE the spelling - this article comes straight from ESKOM web site - they can't even spell but make regulations!!!

Important note: Eskom customers requiring a grid tied generator connections irrespective whether exporting onto the grid or not must ensure that they meet the NERSA licence/registration requirement. Customers must apply with NERSA for either registration or licence to operate their generator or with your local utility depending on size. NERSA will require information from Eskom to ensure that a grid connection is possible. Customers must apply with Eskom to become grid-tied, pay the quoted fees, and sign the required Eskom agreements.

Generators are exempt from licensing and registration with NERSA, if it

• is utilised as a back-up source of electricity, during power interruptions.

• that is not grid tied (no point of connection to the grid), irrespective of size.

• is of size  <100 kW, but must be registered with the utility in a manner prescribed by NERSA.

However, if your generator is connected to the grid, you will have to apply for a grid connection, pay the quoted fees, and sign the required Eskom agreements. If the customer’s generator is not grid tied please provide Eskom with a signed declaration to indicate that your system is not operating in parallel with the Eskom supply. Eskom reserves its right to disconnect any supply point found with an unauthorised grid tied generator installation that could pose a potential risk to Eskom field staff, Eskom network, Eskom customers and public.

Generators require NERSA registration, if it

• has a maximum capacity of >100kW but < 100 MW

• has a point of connection (whether you are exporting energy into the grid or not)

• is used for demonstration purposes only, for a maximum period of 36 months (size not mentioned)

• was exempt from licensing prior to the latest amendment of schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act.

Generators requiring NERSA licencing, if it

• has a maximum capacity above 100 MW.

• is used for demonstration purposes only, for a maximum period of > 36 months (size not mentioned)

Disclaimer : The information above is based on the Schedule 2 amendment (October 2021). Please refer to NERSA for the more updated information.

Generator network configurations

We offer a selection of generator network configurations to suit your electricity production needs. Carefully consider the type of installation you require, as this will influence the legal, regulatory, technology standards, tariffs, and metering equipment requirements.

An off-the-grid systen off-the-grid system

An off-grid, or stand-alone system, does not have a point of connection that ties the generator to the Eskom electricity distribution network. The generator is therefore completely independent of the power grid and does not need an Eskom supply to work. This type of generator network configuration does not require authorisation from Eskom and is also exempt from registration with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

A standby generator configuration

A standby, or back-up electrical system may or may not be grid-tied. For a grid-tied standby system, you will need to apply to Eskom to authorise the generator. Generators that are not grid-tied do not require an Eskom point of connection to work, and as such do not require Eskom authorisation. In both cases, the standby generator does not need to be registered with NERSA, subject to it only being used during electricity supply interruptions.

Installations designed to consume all the generated power (non-export)

This generator network configuration provides electricity to your property when required, is grid-tied, but designed to not export energy into the Eskom power grid.

Given that this installation is grid-tied, it will require Eskom authorisation, even though it does not export energy into the distribution network. Eskom authorisation can be obtained via application, payment of fees and signing new contracts covering the tariff, legal, regulatory and technical requirements.

The Eskom connection and use-of-system agreement will specify the maximum export capacity (MEC) at zero kW. ​

Tariff charges will not apply, but there may be costs incurred for the grid connection. Any export of energy will constitute a breach of the Eskom agreement and the supply may be disconnected.

Depending on the criteria set out in Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), the generator will either require registration or licensing, or be exempted from registration with NERSA.

In this generator network configuration, not all generated electricity is consumed. Some or all of it is exported into the grid for the purposes of getting an energy offset credit on your account, or for wheeling the energy to another customer so they can get an energy offset credit on their accouInstallations designed to export power into the grid

nt.

This type of grid-tied generator connection requires Eskom authorisation, and depending on the criteria set out in Schedule 2 of the ERA, will either require registration or licensing, or be exempted from registration with NERSA.

Eskom authorisation includes application, payment of fees and signing new contracts covering the tariff, legal, regulatory, and technical requirements.

The Eskom connection and use-of-system agreement will specify a maximum energy export capacity into the grid as determined by the customer. Tariff charges may be applicable for the exported energy, and there may be costs related to connect the generator to the national grid.

ESKOM information:

What is required for customers who want to be completely off-grid?

Customers wanting to be completely off the grid should apply for termination of their supply as per theconditions of their contract.

Can a solar system be installed without having to go through the whole process?

Yes, but this applies only to stand-alone systems.