The process to apply for the new meter for selling power back to the grid in Cape Town isn’t a direct application for the meter itself.

Here’s the breakdown:

The new meter is typically installed alongside the application for a Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) system. This SSEG system is what allows you to generate your own power (usually solar) and feed excess back to the grid.

There are two main ways to apply for an SSEG system:

1. Online via eServices: This is the preferred method. If you have already started an SSEG application through eServices, the new meter will likely be included automatically. You can check the City’s website for details on applying for an SSEG via eServices [City of Cape Town website].
2. Paper application: If you can’t use eServices, you can download the application form titled “Connection of Embedded Generation” from the City’s website. This process might take longer.

Here are some additional points to consider:

  1. The Cash for Power Programme application period is currently closed, with the next Expression of Interest expected in February 2025. However, you can still apply for the SSEG system to prepare for the next application round.
  2. Contacting the City’s Energy Department at City Connect is recommended to confirm the latest application process and any requirements specific to your situation.

Remember, while you can’t directly apply for the new meter itself, applying for an SSEG system is the route to getting the meter installed and participating in the Cash for Power Programme.

Cost

The upfront cost depends on the size of the solar power system you install. There’s some good news though! The City recently unveiled a cheaper meter specifically designed for households to participate in the program. This single-phase meter costs around R6 043 (including VAT), which is significantly cheaper than the previous option, which was R10 508.

“The City of Cape Town is now ready to roll out the long-awaited cheaper single-phase feed-in meter to enable many more Capetonians to sell their excess solar power to us. The team has successfully been able to procure, test and now launch this single-phase AMI meter for customers.

‘Residents can now place their meter orders, as well as sign up for our Cash for Power programme to earn cash back for the excess power they sell to the City. This in turn helps in our broader goal of ending load-shedding in Cape Town over time,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

Cape Town introduces a more affordable meter

Application Process:

You can’t apply directly through the Cash for Power Programme webpage. Instead, navigate to the City Connect website under “Apply” > “Municipal Services” > “Electricity” and look for the option to “Apply to sell surplus SSEG energy to the city“

How to authorise your solar PV system online

  • If you are an installer, a property owner or a service provider involved in solar PV installations, your first step is to register on e-Services and activate the “Energy Services” tile in order for you to access Energy Service Applications.
  • Register for e-services here: https://eservices.capetown.gov.za/
  • You can then apply to authorise your solar PV system via the easy-to-use online portal here: http://www.capetown.gov.za/ApplyForSSEG

Here’s the latest information on the Cash for Power Programme for Cape Town residences (as of May 13, 2024):

How to apply to get Cash for Power

  • Customers with authorised grid-tied SSEG systems will automatically earn credits on their electricity and rates accounts by selling power back to the City.
  • If customers are interested to go above and beyond this to earn actual cash once their total municipal bill is credited down to zero, they can submit an application which will be assessed during the next window, with dates to be announced in due course. Once a customer is registered, any remaining credit will accumulate until it reaches a certain amount, and then the City will pay you out in cash.
  • For more information, visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/cashforpower

For the most up-to-date information and specific details on the application process, it’s recommended to refer to the City’s official website or contact City Connect directly.

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