The new National Energy Regulator of South Africa-approved tariff hikes of 11.32% from July 1, 2025, also restructure how South Africa’s 165 licensed municipal electricity distributors buy and distribute power, with all bulk supply options having been consolidated into a single tariff structure called ‘Municflex’.
Electricity trading solutions company Utility Consulting Solutions (UTCS) says this change is forcing municipalities to rethink their electricity procurement strategies.
The company’s Digital Energy Platform provides a solution for electricity procurement and management.
It addresses the needs of municipalities through legislative-compliant electricity day-trading software that operates much like stock trading for electricity. This provides real-time market analysis and enables municipalities to buy bulk electricity at optimal rates, while advanced forecasting tools help navigate the intricate new Municflex tariff structure.
“Municipalities and businesses need technology-driven solutions to navigate the new tariff structures while keeping electricity affordable for their communities and operations,” says UTCS CEO Christo Nicholls.“Our technology stack removes the complexity of energy trading while ensuring full regulatory compliance,” he states.Meanwhile, for businesses and consumers, UTCS’s platform provides smart timing strategies for electricity purchases that help avoid expensive tariff blocks and maximise cost efficiency within the new rate structures.
The platform also integrates rooftop solar installations with unused energy trading capabilities, thereby allowing clients to sell excess power back to the grid, the company adds.
“Through energy audits and consumption optimisation services, combined with education on alternative electricity trading methods, UTCS empowers clients to transform from passive consumers into active energy market participants,” says Nicholls.Original Article available on engineeringnews.co.za