Guest: Tshepo Kgadima, Independent Economic & Energy Analyst

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act into law, marking a significant step in South Africa’s energy reform. This long-awaited legislation is designed to foster a competitive electricity market and enhance energy security by establishing an independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) within five years. The act also introduces penalties for damage or sabotage to the grid and mandates the development of a Market Code to regulate the sector. These reforms align with the Energy Action Plan and Eskom Roadmap, aiming to modernize the electricity system and address persistent load shedding issues. However, the act has faced criticism from the SA Local Government Association regarding reduced municipal authority.