The Electricity Regulation Act (ERA) 4 of 2006 has primarily governed South Africa's energy sector for nearly two decades without significant amendments. This act designates the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), established by section 3 of the National Energy Regulator Act (NERA), as the custodian and enforcer of the energy sector regulatory framework.
The Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) Bill of 2023 (passed by Parliament in May 2024 and awaiting the President's signature) seeks to amend the ERA Act 2006 significantly. In clause 3, the ERA bill clarifies and extends the regulator's power to include issuing, amending, withdrawing, suspending, and revoking licenses and determining the registration, revocation, and deregistration of individuals and entities involved in the energy sector.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) plays a complementary role by overseeing energy policies and strategies development and implementation.
For over a century, Eskom, the state-owned utility, has dominated
