Revised Electricity Pricing Policy (EPP 2026)

South Africa has had an Electricity Pricing Policy in place that guides how electricity tariffs are set and regulated across the country. This policy affects what households, businesses, and industries pay for their electricity, and how those prices are justified and structured. Over time, the energy landscape in South Africa has changed significantly - with load shedding, the rise of renewable energy, the unbundling of Eskom, and new players entering the electricity market - meaning the old pricing rules may no longer be fit for purpose. The Department of Electricity and Energy has now produced a revised version of this policy, called the Revised Electricity Pricing Policy 2026 (EPP 2026), to update the framework that governs how electricity is priced going forward.

Because electricity pricing touches almost every corner of life and the economy, this policy affects a very wide range of people and organisations. Ordinary households across South Africa are directly affected, since the pricing policy ultimately shapes what they pay on their monthly electricity bills. Businesses - from small spaza shops to large factories and mines - are affected because electricity costs are a major part of their operating expenses, and changes to pricing structures can make or break their viability. Municipalities that buy electricity in bulk and resell it to residents are also affected, as the policy would influence the tariffs they are allowed to charge. Energy producers, including new independent power producers generating solar or wind energy, could be affected by how pricing rules treat different sources of electricity. The policy is relevant to regulators and government bodies responsible for overseeing the energy sector as well.

The Department of Electricity and Energy has published the Revised Electricity Pricing Policy 2026 for public comment. The document sets out an updated framework for how electricity should be priced in South Africa. However, the source text provided does not include the detailed provisions, specific changes, or concrete clauses of the revised policy itself - it is a call for public comments notice, pointing citizens to where they can find and read the full policy document. What is confirmed is that a government notice and a media extension notice have been published alongside the policy. Citizens and organisations are invited to study the full revised policy and submit their responses to the Department. Comments must be emailed to Mr Joseph Maraba at EPP.Comments@dee.gov.za and must arrive no later than Wednesday, 28 October 2026, with the comment period having opened on 22 September 2026.

Electricity pricing policy is one of the most practical and far-reaching policies that affects South Africans in their daily lives. The price of electricity influences what families pay to keep the lights on, cook food, and heat water. For businesses, it determines whether they can afford to operate and keep people employed. Getting the pricing framework right matters enormously in a country where many people are already struggling with high costs of living and where unreliable electricity supply has caused serious economic harm in recent years.

The public comment process is a legal and democratic mechanism that gives ordinary South Africans a real opportunity to influence government policy before it is finalised. If you have experienced unfair electricity billing, if you run a business affected by electricity costs, or if you simply want the pricing system to be fairer and more transparent, this is the moment to make your voice heard. Comments close on 28 October 2026, so there is a limited window to respond.