1st Edition: The Municipal Utility Perspective
The South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN) is running a series of articles featuring accomplished women in the embedded generation (EG) space, a traditionally male dominated industry to celebrate Women’s Month. We begin the series this week with a focus on municipal utilities, as one of the key changemakers in the space.
Dephney Mphahlele from Polokwane Local Municipality and Suerakisha Mahadeo from eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality shared their career journeys, providing insights into how they are navigating this dynamic space and the impactful work they are leading. Polokwane and eThekwini are both longstanding partners and champions of the Embedded Generation Support Programme from 2017.
For more information on the EG Support Programme, please contact Ms Sayuri Chetty, Senior Technical Advisor for Embedded Generation and Urban Transitions or visit our open-access, one-stop resource portal for all things embedded generation: https://www.sseg.org.za/.
What is the current status quo in the municipality when it comes to EG?
Mphahlele: The municipality has a comprehensive application process in place for SSEG [small scale embedded generation]. We have received approximately 159 applications, of which 104 has been registered. The total registered EG applications is about 10,688 kVA and 3,135 kWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS). If we have to estimate the non-registered EG in Polokwane we will have to investigate, but it is likely more than 180 households, commercial and industrial.
Mahadeo: At eThekwini, we currently manage approximately 1,500 EG installations/applications. Our existing process for EG applications is manual application forms along with detailed instructions outlining the necessary steps and required documentation, are available on our website. The evaluation of each application is based on generation size and voltage levels, in accordance with NRS 097-2-3 standards. If an application does not meet the criteria under the simplified connection guidelines, additional grid impact studies are required to assess potential impacts. Once the application is approved, and if applicable, following the completion of grid impact studies, the customer is permitted to proceed with construction. After the installation is completed, the customer submits the commissioning documentation. A site inspection is then conducted to verify the installation, and an official approval letter is issued. To improve efficiency and accessibility, eThekwini is currently working on developing an online application platform that will streamline the process for customers. It is important to note that illegal connections remain a significant concern. Many EG systems have been installed without the necessary approval from eThekwini, which poses both safety and operational risks to the grid.
Please give us a brief description of what your daily job entails or a summary of your tasks.
Mphahlele: I manage Energy Efficiency (EE) and Renewable Energy (RE) projects, conduct site handovers and supervise the job on-site during implementation and compile all the required documentation as required. These projects are funded by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), so I submit monthly and quarterly reports to show the progress of the projects. On the other hand, I also assist walk-in clients who have challenges with electricity, submitting applications for upgrading or registering their EG systems and I do research on new technologies that will assist the Municipality with saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.
Mahadeo: I am responsible for the effective analysis, planning, investigation and design of [medium and low voltage] distribution networks within the Southern region of eThekwini. My role encompasses both technical and managerial aspects. Part of my role is the technical evaluation and approval of embedded generation applications.
What attracted you to the energy/EG space, or tell us about your career journey that led you to this point?
Mphahlele: I’m an Electrical Technician, but my journey started in maintenance at a steel company. I then joined Polokwane Municipality through the Southern African Low Emissions Development (SALED) Chemonics Programme where I was appointed as the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) Coordinator. I started working on EE projects as part of the team that was headed by Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) to develop a municipal Green Goal Energy Strategy. I then fell in-love with saving energy and using clean ways to produce electricity.
I attended my first GIZ training on SSEG in 2017 with the Solar Training Center (under the EG Support Programme) which is where I discovered the importance of compliance when it comes to solar rooftop PV, and I knew I needed to learn more in order to achieve 100% energy savings. My goal is to have compliant EG systems for all our municipal facilities to reduce the burden on the grid and to continue with the advocacy for old and new municipal customers to register their systems.
Mahadeo: I’ve always been drawn to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects throughout my school years, which led me to pursue a career in Electrical Engineering. The field combines both intriguing challenges and exciting opportunities, aligning perfectly with my passion for problem-solving, design, and gaining a deep understanding of how things work. EG has a direct impact on the distribution network, processes, designs, and operations. As a network designer, I recognized the importance of fully understanding how EG affects our distribution infrastructure. While we continue to learn and adapt, we are still navigating the evolving challenges and opportunities that EG presents for municipal networks.
You touched on registering systems and the impact of EG on the network. Why is it important for customers to register their systems, and what are some of the challenges for the municipality if they don’t?
Mphahlele: It is important for customers to register their systems for safety reasons, the system can feedback into the grid and can cause a fatal accident to the maintenance team working on the line. The other reason is that it may destabilize the grid and cause overloading and trip the circuit. The municipality must ensure that EG systems are complying with regulations and are done by a registered/competent person to avoid system failure that might result in poor quality installations or fires in buildings. The municipality must also protect its revenue.
Mahadeo: Registering each EG system enables the municipality to accurately track and record critical details such as system size and location, which is essential for reporting to NERSA on EG applications and to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Effective grid management is essential to maintaining a reliable network in the future. To achieve this, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive studies to assess the potential impacts of EG on the network. The data gathered during the application process allows the municipality to make informed decisions and mitigate any negative impacts on the quality of supply. Registration ensures that EG systems adhere to the required safety and technical standards. EG applications are evaluated against the criteria specified in NRS 097, and in some cases, additional grid impact studies are necessary to confirm that the connection of the EG system to the grid will not adversely affect its stability. Furthermore, this process ensures the safety of personnel working on the network infrastructure, particularly during fault isolation or switching operations, by confirming that all systems meet operational safety protocols.
What are some of the challenges that your municipality has faced when it comes to EG, and how has the EG Support Programme specifically assisted with this?
Mphahlele: Our challenges were mainly around having the electricity by-law approved by Council and promulgated in the Provincial Gazette. With the assistance and support of the EG Support Programme, we have managed to fast track the process and get the electricity by-law and the EG Policy approved, by supporting us with the generic wording required. The programme also assisted also with the application documentation, which is in place for customers to apply and register their EG systems, as well as assisted in developing an export tariff which was also approved by Council.
Mahadeo: The surge in EG applications has highlighted the need for additional dedicated resources. Currently, there is no specialized team or RE department focused solely on managing the high volume of applications we receive. The EG Support Programme has proven to be invaluable in addressing these challenges. Its structured, step-by-step approach – from workshops on the initial application process and RE concepts to advanced training on conducting network studies and assessing applications – has significantly enhanced our capacity. Additionally, the WhatsApp communication platform that was set-up with all partner municipalities facilitates seamless engagement between municipal staff and industry experts, enabling efficient knowledge transfer and collaboration.
Has the Embedded Generation Support Programme supported you specifically in your role in any way?
Mphahlele: The support has been really great; the training that I received from the programme has helped me understand the technical specifications for EG and how important it is to know what is happening on the ground to protect the municipal grid and have clean energy. The 5-day Introduction to EG is a key training to attend as it illustrates the bigger picture of EG in detail, but my favourite one is the Tariffs and Revenue Impact training because although it is good to have clean energy produced in your house or office block, the municipality will lose the revenue that is was collecting from the customer if tariffs are not designed correctly. I have learned from the training that the municipality can buy and resell excess electricity from the clients and also introduce a fixed charge on the electricity bill to ensure the municipality can continue to sustain itself. Lastly, the municipality is at the final stage to process applications online via support of the programme.
Mahadeo: The support provided has been exceptional in building my capacity and establishing a strong foundation in EG. This has greatly enhanced my ability to perform my role more efficiently. A key aspect of my role involves the technical evaluation of EG applications. At the outset of EG integration, there was limited information available. The EG Support Programme has been invaluable in providing comprehensive knowledge, offering a deep understanding from fundamental concepts to advanced technical details of EG systems. I primarily utilized the training sessions and the resource portal, which have been crucial in enhancing my expertise. The greatest benefit of the resource portal was the ability to consistently reference the materials and information, allowing me to apply the knowledge gained as needed in my day-to-day responsibilities.
What are some of the next steps for the municipality in terms of integrating EG systems into the network and advocating for compliant systems?
Mphahlele: The municipality must now advertise on various media streams that the process is in place for applying and registration of EG. In addition, the municipality must rescind the previous grace period, because the grace period that was approved ended before the by-law was promulgated. As far as possible, we also plan to visit customers with EG to explain the importance of registering their EG systems.
Mahadeo: The municipality is actively enhancing the visibility of EG on our network through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. This will provide a comprehensive overview of both legally registered and illegal EG installations. All EG applications will be recorded in our GIS and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system during the application process, enabling us to track and manage these systems effectively. This integration will allow us to identify areas, substations, and circuits that may face challenges due to the increasing number of EG systems being connected. Additionally, eThekwini Electricity is exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect unregistered EG systems on the GIS platform. Customers with unregistered systems will be issued fines and instructed to disconnect their systems until they regularize their installations with the municipality. From a grid management perspective, approved EG systems will be incorporated into our Digsilent Power Factory model and associated schematics. This model will serve as a critical tool for conducting network studies and hosting capacity assessments. By leveraging this model, eThekwini Electricity will be able to evaluate the total amount of EG that can be integrated into the network without necessitating infrastructure upgrades.
Even though EG is quite the disrupter to the traditional electricity system, how important do you think the EG sector is for promoting a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment for all South Africans?
Mphahlele: It is very important as one can see how climate change is affecting our country. So having a clean, safe way to produce energy will result in a massive reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) and we will have a sustainable environment for our country. The EG sector is the future of the country.
Mahadeo: As we confront challenges such as climate change, load shedding, and environmental degradation, the transition from traditional, centralized large-scale fossil fuel power generation to decentralized renewable energy systems is crucial for fostering a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment. The adverse impacts of climate change are already evident in South Africa with extreme heatwaves, increasingly erratic rainfall patterns and frequent flooding -each of which disrupts communities and infrastructure. Promoting the EG sector provides South Africa with a strategic opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global climate objectives, particularly given its status as one of the world’s largest GHG emitters. Expanding the EG sector will not only reduce South Africa’s carbon footprint but also drive sustainable development through the creation of new industries, technological innovations, and job opportunities. This shift towards renewable energy will foster energy security, and long-term environmental sustainability.
Lastly, what advice would you give young women who want to pursue a career in the EG or decentralized renewable energy space?
Mphahlele: The EG sectoris an exciting space and there are a lot of experts who are always available to teach and provide support. One can never stop learning in this space as it is growing and improving rapidly. It is a great career choice with lots of opportunities.
Mahadeo: This is a dynamic and exciting field, constantly evolving with new technologies and advancements. To pursue a successful career in this area, it’s essential to develop strong technical skills by building a solid foundation in core principles and continuously expanding your knowledge. Staying up to date with industry trends is crucial. Learning goes beyond formal qualifications – get involved, read technical papers, take online courses, and connect with others who share your passion and energy for the field. Embrace new challenges, learn from setbacks, and use those experiences as opportunities for growth. Lastly, identify a mentor within your network -a person you admire – who can guide you, offer valuable insights, and help you uncover new opportunities as you navigate your career.
End of interview.
