Cape Town is breaking new ground with its “Cash for Power” initiative, designed to harness renewable energy while empowering local residents. This program allows citizens to sell the excess electricity generated by their solar panels or Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems back to the city’s power grid.

Previously, customers with SSEG setups had to use more grid electricity than they provided. However, Cape Town has now abolished this limitation, marking the beginning of a new chapter in energy autonomy for its citizens.

Through the “Cash for Power” program, both residents and businesses can contribute surplus electricity from their SSEG systems to the city’s power supply. In exchange, they receive credits at the SSEG Feed-in tariff rate, which can be used to offset municipal bills, offering tangible benefits to participants.

With Eskom’s recent commitment to permanent load shedding, Cape Town’s Cash-for-Power initiative arrives at a crucial time. It provides a vital solution to residents during the ongoing energy challenges, enabling them to actively support the city’s energy resilience.

Participants have already seen considerable financial benefits, with Cape Town’s businesses and households collectively earning R25.8 million through the program. This financial incentive not only helps reduce energy costs but encourages further investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

Eskom accepts applications for various types of SSEG, including:

  • Wind generation
  • Photovoltaic (PV) generation
  • Biomass generation

This inclusive strategy ensures a diverse mix of renewable energy sources contributes to Cape Town’s energy landscape, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Amidst dwindling resources and climate change impacts, we remain committed to developing advanced solutions and supporting their implementation.

MEB specializes in delivering innovative solutions within the water, power, and energy sectors, setting new benchmarks for innovation and sustainability. We empower communities to face the challenges of a rapidly evolving world while striving for a sustainable future.

Contact us today to learn more.