SSEG Registration Countdown - Is Your Municipality Prepared for Compliance by March 2026?
- LopileTech
- Nov 22
- 3 min read
The countdown to the national Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) registration deadline in March 2026 is underway. For solar plant owners and those planning to install solar systems, understanding your municipality’s role in this process is critical. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) recently challenged the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU) on their approach to SSEG safety compliance, warning that some municipalities may be overstepping their legal boundaries. This post explains what you need to know to ensure your SSEG installation complies with national law and avoids unnecessary delays or disputes.
National Law Governs Electrical Safety for SSEG
The core issue raised by OUTA is that some municipalities, guided by the AMEU position paper, are introducing additional requirements beyond what national law allows. This creates confusion and extra costs for installers and consumers.
The law is clear: only the Minister of Employment and Labour, through the Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR), and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) have the authority to set electrical safety rules and technical standards. Municipalities do not have the power to create or enforce additional safety requirements for SSEG systems under 1 MVA.
Municipalities’ legal role is limited to:
Receiving notice of an alternative electricity supply (such as an SSEG system).
Requesting the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by a Registered Person.
This means municipalities cannot demand extra approvals or documents beyond the CoC.
Three Legal Errors Municipalities Must Avoid
Municipalities must not adopt policies based on incorrect interpretations of their authority. OUTA highlights three key legal errors to watch for:
1. Rejecting a Valid Certificate of Compliance
AMEU suggests municipalities can require "additional approval processes" or "separate inverter commissioning documents" beyond the CoC. OUTA clarifies that the CoC, issued by a Registered Person, is the only legal safety certification for the entire electrical installation.
Municipalities are not enforcement authorities under the Act and cannot override a valid CoC. Refusing to connect an SSEG system when a valid CoC exists is unlawful and could delay your connection to the grid.
2. Imposing Unauthorised Technical Standards
Some municipalities may try to enforce technical standards or safety checks not recognised by the Minister or SABS. This creates unnecessary hurdles for installers and consumers and risks non-compliance with national law.
3. Charging Unlawful Fees or Delays
Municipalities must not charge extra fees or cause delays by demanding approvals or inspections beyond their legal mandate. Such practices can increase costs and slow down the integration of SSEG systems into the grid.
If you own or plan to install an SSEG system, especially connected to the ESKOM grid or municipal grids, you should:
Ensure your installation has a valid Certificate of Compliance from a Registered Person.
Submit the required notice to your municipality without delay.
Be aware that your municipality cannot demand additional approvals or documents beyond the CoC.
Report any unlawful demands or delays to OUTA or relevant authorities.
Understanding these points will help you avoid unnecessary costs and ensure your system is connected smoothly before the March 2026 deadline.
Preparing Your Municipality for the March 2026 Deadline
Municipalities must align their policies with national law to support the growing adoption of SSEG systems. Clear communication and adherence to legal frameworks will benefit all stakeholders:
Municipalities avoid legal risks and complaints.
Consumers and installers experience fewer delays and costs.
The national grid benefits from safer, compliant embedded generation.
Lopiletech is committed to guiding clients through this process, ensuring your SSEG installation meets all legal requirements and is ready for registration on time.
Take Action Now to Secure Your SSEG Compliance
The March 2026 registration deadline is approaching fast. Confirm your municipality’s policies align with national law and that your SSEG system has a valid Certificate of Compliance. Avoid costly delays by working with trusted installers and staying informed about your rights.
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