{
  "id": 6475738,
  "title": "‘barking up the wrong tree’: Rooftop solar showdown — Why Eskom threats have no power",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/barking-up-the-wrong-tree-rooftop-solar-showdown-why-eskom-threats",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T21:20:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-09-09-rooftop-solar-showdown-why-eskom-threats-have-no-power/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Eskom has extended the deadline for residential solar PV and battery energy storage system registration, dropped threats of fines and cut-offs, and removed the requirement for professional sign-off. However, Eskom still claims it can cut supply to any solar or battery installation deemed \"unsafe\". Eskom Distribution says residential low-voltage solar PV and battery storage systems connected behind the meter must be registered with the utility by 30 September 2026, but the utility could still cut off supply to any \"unsafe\" installations. South Africa's residential solar and battery storage market has grown rapidly, and Eskom's registration campaign has caused alarm among homeowners with installed solar PV and battery systems.",
  "summary": "Eskom has extended its rooftop solar registration deadline, dropped its threats of fines and cut-off for non-registration, and scrapped the requirement for costly professional sign-off. However, it says it can cut supply to any solar or battery installation deemed ‘unsafe’. Outa says that claim will not survive legal scrutiny.",
  "key_points": [
    "Eskom extends deadline for solar PV registration until 30 September 2026",
    "Utility drops threats of fines and cuts for registered systems",
    "Eskom can still cut supply to unsafe installations"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}