By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has appointed the Electricity Market Advisory Forum (EMAF) to support the ongoing reforms in the electricity sector.
The forum will provide advice to the energy regulator on electricity market reform, including market codes, trading arrangements and associated regulatory instruments.
Nersa said on Friday that the EMAF would play a key role in strengthening stakeholder engagement and supporting regulatory decision-making as South Africa transitioned towards a more competitive and diversified electricity market structure.
The forum comprises representatives from regulatory authorities, State-owned entities, industry associations, academia, financial regulators and civil society. They include:
Rhulani Mathebula – Eskom generation executive, Mutshidza Nndwamato – Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities, Letlhogonolo Tsoai – Business Unity South Africa, Mutenda Tshipala – Eskom Holdings SOC, Dr Willem den Heijer – Ferro Alloy Producers Association, Shreelin Naicker – Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), Lovemore Chilimanzi – South African Electricity Traders Association, Craig Morkel – South African Oil and Gas Alliance, Dr Nicole Loser – The Green Connection, Dr Graeme Chown – Independent, Prof Katleho Moloi – University of South Africa, Prof Simon Roberts – University of Johannesburg, Dr Thando Vilakazi – Competition Tribunal and Dr Tracy Ledger – Public Affairs Research Institute
Alternate members include Prof Vally Padayachee (Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities) and Tendani Mutshutshu (Eskom Holdings).
Nersa noted that alternate members had also been appointed from Eskom and the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities, and that the regulator retained the discretion to appoint additional members as the reform process progresses.
The regulator said the forum would help ensure that emerging market frameworks were robust, practical and aligned with the interests of consumers and the broader economy, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the electricity sector.