By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), has extended deadline for public comments on the proposed Market Code and Market Rules submitted by the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA).
Stakeholders and members of the public will now have until 22 June 2026 to submit written comments, extending the original deadline of 29 May 2026.
NTCSA which was licensed as the Market Operator in December 2024, applied to Nersa for approval of the Market Code and Market Rules on February 25.
On April 17, Nersa published a consultation paper to guide stakeholders in making comments on the application.
In a statement confirming the delay, Nersa again encouraged members of the public to provide written input on the consultation paper, and said that those wishing to make oral representations at the hearing should submit a request to do so also by June 22.
Energy experts said the extended comment period is a positive step that reflects the regulator’s willingness to engage broadly on reforms at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s energy sector.
Critics of the current system have argued that previous regulatory frameworks favoured incumbent suppliers and limited competition. They welcome the opportunity to weigh in on how the market should be structured to promote fairness, transparency and resilience as the sector evolves.
Meanwhile Joburg Mayor Dada Morero and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa met in Johannesburg on Tuesday, in a bid to break the deadlock and prevent possible power disruptions.
The discussions focused primarily on stabilising the city’s electricity supply, addressing the growing debt, and finding a sustainable payment solution between the municipality and the power utility.
Ramokgopa stressed that all parties are firmly committed to resolving the dispute without impacting consumers.
He stated that they have refined a previous agreement, which sought to address the same issue a year ago.
Furthermore, national government has committed to enhancing its support for the city and capacitating City Power to address its challenges related to energy supply.
Morero thanked the minister, declaring the meeting had achieved its objectives in establishing common ground.
Both explained that teams from Eskom and the municipality would now work together to finalise a formal agreement.
“They will be starting to work immediately to try and sort out these issues, but we are confident that we will resolve all the issues and help City Power to get where it should be,” said Morero.