The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has warned that delays in finalising key regulatory processes could place the planned April 1 launch of the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) in jeopardy.
Speaking at a media breakfast in Johannesburg on August 6, the NTCSA’s Senior Manager for Market Operations, Keith Bowen, said the revised Market Code version 2.1 has been released for public comment and will be submitted to NERSA by the end of September. However, final approval is only likely in early 2026 – leaving little time for implementation before the scheduled go-live date.
“We’re hoping NERSA finalises the code by December but it’s more likely to land in January or February, which puts April 1 seriously at risk,” Bowen said.
SAWEM is a competitive electricity market structure that will allow independent generators, traders, large customers and other accredited entities to buy and sell electricity via standardised market platforms rather than through bilateral power purchase agreements. The market is intended to improve efficiency, transparency and grid coordination as South Africa’s energy mix evolves.
To participate, entities must complete the NTCSA’s SAWEM School – a three-day, in-person training and certification programme covering dispatch, settlement, balancing and compliance with market rules. The school launched in July and is one of seven readiness pillars for market implementation.
The NTCSA confirmed that all current SAWEM School sessions are fully subscribed with additional venues under consideration in provinces such as the Free State and North West.
