The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has extended the public consultation period for the Draft Market Inquiry Report on the Impact of Fixed and Generation Capacity Charges Levied by Electricity Distributors from July 27 to September 8.

Following a request for additional time, Nersa approved a 30-working-day extension of the consultation period to enable stakeholders to prepare comprehensive and considered submissions. In the interests of fairness and equal treatment, the extension applies to all interested and affected stakeholders.

The consultation process forms an important part of Nersa's commitment to transparent, inclusive and evidence-based decision-making.

The consultation documents were published to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to engage with the contents of the draft report and submit comments on the approach adopted in conducting the market inquiry, the analysis undertaken, the preliminary findings and the proposed recommendations.

“Nersa encourages electricity customers, municipalities, State-owned utility Eskom, industry associations, organised business, agricultural organisations, electricity traders, independent power producers, consumer organisations, academic institutions and members of the public to make use of the extended consultation period by submitting comments on the draft report and consultation paper.”

Stakeholders are invited to comment on, among other matters, the methodology and approach adopted in conducting the market inquiry, as well as the evidence and analysis presented in the draft report.

Stakeholders are also invited to comment on the preliminary findings and conclusions and the proposed regulatory recommendations and to submit any additional information that may assist Nersa in finalising the draft report.

Nersa says it values the continued participation of stakeholders and believes that broad public engagement will contribute to a robust, objective and credible final market inquiry report.

Stakeholder input will assist in ensuring that the final report reflects a balanced assessment of the evidence and supports transparent, fair and effective electricity tariff regulation, it says.