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OUTA slams Joburg’s new solar approval process as unnecessary red tape
City Power’s six-step process for solar installations adds unnecessary costs, delays, and confusion for residents trying to secure reliable power
- City Power’s pre-approval process adds unnecessary cost, delays, and complexity
- Valid Certificates of Compliance already ensure safety and legal compliance
- Registration failures in the past raise serious questions about the system’s purpose
- Overreach risks discouraging private investment in energy resilience
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has raised serious concerns about City Power Johannesburg’s pre-approval and registration requirements for the installation of new small-scale energy generation (SSEG) systems, commonly referred to as solar energy systems.
Residents and businesses are not installing solar out of convenience. They are responding to an unreliable electricity supply and rising tariffs.
City Power’s new six-step process, which includes approvals and inspections both before and after installation, introduces avoidable costs, significant delays, and additional administrative burden. OUTA believes these requirements go beyond what is reasonable or necessary.
Where installations are completed by qualified electricians and supported by a valid Certificate of Compliance, national safety standards are already met. Additional municipal processes in these cases serve little practical purpose.
“Authorities should stop imposing processes that place unnecessary burdens on society,” says Wayne Duvenage, OUTA CEO. “South Africans are investing their own money, within national safety compliance regulations, to keep the lights on. Adding layers of red tape only makes this harder.”
OUTA is also concerned that previous SSEG registrations submitted to City Power have gone largely unprocessed. This raises questions about the effectiveness and intent of the registration system itself.
A more rational and practical approach by all municipalities is required. Municipalities should recognise valid compliance documentation. The current lack of alignment across municipalities is creating confusion and eroding public trust.
South Africans are stepping in where the system is failing. They should not be penalised for it.
OUTA calls on the City of Johannesburg, Eskom, the City of Cape Town, and other stakeholders to revise their approach, prioritise safety, and remove unnecessary administrative barriers.
Supporting Documents
A soundclip from Wayne Duvenage, OUTA CEO, is available here.
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