SSEG Registration South Africa 2025 – Every Municipality Compared
You cannot legally feed solar power back into the grid without municipal approval. Doing so risks disconnection, heavy fines, or even criminal charges. This is the definitive 2025 guide to Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) registration across every major South African municipality.
Key takeaway in 2025: Cape Town remains light-years ahead. Most other metros are catching up — slowly.
SSEG Registration Comparison – Major Municipalities (2025)
| Municipality |
Max Size
without scoping |
Typical Approval
Time (2025) |
Application
Cost |
Online
Portal? |
Ease Rating
out of 10 |
| City of Cape Town |
No limit
(scoping only >1 MW) |
2–6 weeks |
Free |
Yes – excellent |
10/10 |
| Nelson Mandela Bay |
No limit |
3–8 weeks |
Free |
Yes |
9/10 |
| eThekwini (Durban) |
350 kVA |
4–12 weeks |
Free |
Yes |
9/10 |
| City of Johannesburg |
1 MW |
6–16 weeks |
R2 500 – R15 000 |
Partial |
6/10 |
| Mangaung (Bloemfontein) |
350 kVA |
4–10 weeks |
Free |
Yes |
8/10 |
| Tshwane (Pretoria) |
75 % of NMD |
8–20 weeks |
R3 000 – R18 000 |
No |
5/10 |
| Ekurhuleni |
1 MW |
10–24 weeks |
R4 000+ |
No |
4/10 |
Why SSEG Registration Exists
SSEG rules were introduced in 2017–2018 after thousands of illegal “plug-and-play” systems threatened grid stability. The municipality needs to know:
- Your inverter can safely disconnect during load-shedding (anti-islanding)
- You won’t overload the local transformer
- Your installation meets NRS 097-2-1 grid code
Documents Every Municipality Requires in 2025
- Completed SSEG application form
- Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
- Single-line diagram (signed by electrician)
- Inverter NRS-097 approval certificate
- Proof of anti-islanding & reverse power protection
- ID copy + latest municipal bill
What Happens If You Skip Registration?
- Immediate disconnection
- Fines up to R100 000 (Cape Town has issued 40+ since 2023)
- Insurance claims denied if damage occurs
- Possible criminal charges under the Electricity Regulation Act
Official Municipality SSEG Portals (2025)
What’s Coming in 2026–2027?
National Energy Regulator (NERSA) is finalising a standardised national SSEG framework. Expect:
- Mandatory bi-directional meters everywhere
- Uniform application process across all municipalities
- Possible national online portal
Bottom Line in 2025
If you live in Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay or eThekwini → registration is fast, free and painless.
Everywhere else → budget extra time and money, and use an installer who has done it before.
Last updated: 22 November 2025
