NERSA Extends Deadline For Comments On Revised Electricity Trading Rules In South Africa

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has extended the deadline for public comments on its revised Draft Rules for Electricity Trading, giving stakeholders additional time to review the proposed regulatory framework.

The draft rules were approved for a second round of stakeholder consultation on June 17, 2026. They have been developed under Section 35 of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act No. 4 of 2006), and were expanded and refined based on feedback received from industry participants and the public during the earlier consultation process.

The proposed rules are intended to create a clear regulatory framework for bilateral electricity trading arrangements in South Africa. NERSA said the framework is aimed at supporting the development of a more competitive retail electricity market as the country continues to reform its electricity sector.

The deadline for written submissions was initially August 28, 2026. However, NERSA announced on August 26 that the deadline has been extended to Monday, September 28, 2026.

According to the regulator, the additional time will allow stakeholders to assess the Draft Rules for Electricity Trading alongside the upcoming Electricity Pricing Policy (EPP). NERSA highlighted the need for consistency between the various energy policies and regulatory measures currently being developed.

The regulator said reviewing the two documents together would enable stakeholders to provide more informed and constructive feedback. It expects this approach to help improve the final trading rules and ensure that they are practical and aligned with the changing electricity market.

Stakeholders and members of the public can submit their written comments by email to TradingRulesDevelopmentTeam@nersa.org.za. Submissions must be received by September 28, 2026, and NERSA has stated that comments submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

The revised draft rules and the related consultation paper are available on NERSA’s official website under the “Electricity > Consultation” section. The publication and consultation process is being undertaken in line with the public participation requirements of the National Energy Regulator Act, 2004 (Act No. 40 of 2004).