CoCT To Regulate Green Energy Production - Insurance & Electrical Compliance Certificates

Homeowners with or who wish to install photovoltaic cells (solar power), must apply to the City of Cape Town to register the small-scale energy generation (SSEG). Follow this link to find out more regarding the registration process

The City of Cape Town introduced temporary standards for (SSEG) systems, that property owners who are thinking of installing such systems, will require to follow and register for council authorisation. Follow this link to find out more

It applies to on-grid systems, but also those that are indirectly connected through a building's internal wiring, such as a solar-powered pool pump. The City of Cape Town says that these must also be registered so that they are not mistaken for an unauthorised SSEG installation.

Systems exempt from the by-law are solar water heaters and emergency equipment, for example, standby generators not directly connected to the City of Cape Town's power network.  Follow this link to access the form necessary to register the SSEG with the City of Cape Town's Energy Directorate

The deadline for compliance is 28 February 2019, and was announced in July of this year, but has been missed by most Cape Town residents. There are substantial penalties for non-compliance, including disconnection and a penalty fee of up to R6 425.90.  Additionally, the supply of electricity to the property may also be disconnected and only reconnected once the City of Cape Town is satisfied that the SSEG system is either disconnected, decommissioned or authorised, and that the service fee has been paid. The City of Cape Town has the power to disconnect any illegal power supply and charge either a penalty of R10 000.00 or six months in prison., as stipulated in the terms of existing by-laws.

This could potentially affect the issuing of electrical compliance certificates in the greater Cape Metropole and possibly insurance claims.

Please be aware that you have to ask if the sellers have any SSEG systems installed on their properties.