Nersa clarifies small-scale generation draft rules

© Warakorn Harnprasop – 123RF.com

“The Nersa would like to clarify and put into proper perspective the consultation paper on the draft Rules for Registration of Small-Scale Embedded Generation published for written comments on 26 April 2018,” it said.

This as the regulator published the consultation paper with the purpose to invite written comments, views and inputs from stakeholders on the draft Rules.

According to media, the rules have sparked the ire of the public. The regulator’s rules include an application for registration to Nersa and the description of the particular generation technology.

The draft Rules were developed following the gazetted ‘Licensing Exemption and Registration Notice’ by the Minister of Energy on 10 November 2017. Nersa is required to develop the rules in terms of Section 4(ii) of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 2006 (Act No 4 of 2006).

“It is important to indicate that this is not Regulations but a notice to repeal the current Schedule II of the Electricity Regulation Act. The Minister is empowered by section 36(4) of the ERA to amend Schedule II. Nersa is bound by the gazetted Notice and is required to ensure its implementation, hence the draft Rules. The Rules will be processed following due regulatory process which includes stakeholders’ comments and inputs,” said Nersa’s Head of Communications, Charles Hlebela.

The regulator added that the Minister of Energy recently amended the gazetted Licensing Exemption and Registration Notice. This has necessitated the review of the Consultation Paper on the draft Rules to be aligned with the amended Licensing Exemption and Registration Notice.

“Nersa is committed to ensuring that Rules for Registration of Small-Scale Embedded Generation are processed or developed by following due regulatory process. Stakeholders will again be given an opportunity to provide their written comments, views and inputs,” it said.

At the time of the publication of the rules, the regulator said comments could be sent to its offices in Tshwane (526 Madiba Street) by 31 May 2018.

The draft rules can be accessed here.