The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has extended the deadline for licensed municipalities and private distributors to submit their 2026/27 electricity tariff applications – moving the original cut-off date from December 12 to January 13.
In a notice to licensees, the regulator said the extension follows engagements with sector stakeholders and considers the “practical challenges” raised about meeting the initial submission timeline. The additional time is intended to assist distributors in finalising their applications while still enabling NERSA to issue tariff decisions within Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA)-prescribed timeframes.
Tariff applications are a legal requirement under the Electricity Regulation Act (as amended), the MFMA and the conditions of licences issued to distributors. NERSA emphasised that only complete applications received by the new deadline will be processed and approved for implementation on July 1.
Failure to submit applications will result in no tariff adjustment for the 2026/27 financial year. NERSA also reminded licensees that their current approved tariffs expire on June 30 and that there is no automatic extension; tariffs must be approved annually.
