EKURHULENI’S much-talked-about solar energy project is taking shape, with the aim of reducing residents’ electricity bills.
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Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said cheaper electricity was on the way.
Construction starts on Ekurhuleni solar project
On Thursday, 22 October 2026 Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Xhakaza led a sod-turning ceremony at the Springs Ekurhuleni Fresh Produce Market to mark the start of construction.
They were joined by Independent Power Producer (IPP) partners, the Karsten family and Blu Label Unlimited.
The project will include a 25MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility and sustainable energy storage under the Ekurhuleni Independent Power Producer Programme (EIPPP).
Hundreds of solar panels will be fitted on the market’s roof, while others will be installed on surrounding land.
The project is the first step in the metro’s plan to buy 2 400MW of new electricity generation capacity from IPPs.
Mayor promises electricity savings in six months
Xhakaza said residents would soon see a difference in their electricity bills.
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Cheaper and affordable electricity we promised the people is finally here. In six months’ time, we must realise savings.
He added that surrounding households and nearby industrial areas would be the first beneficiaries.
Proposed household electricity savings
The savings breakdown provided compares the following monthly costs:
Xhakaza says solar will bring competition
Xhakaza said Eskom now faced competition that would force it to lower its tariffs.
He said sunlight was free and consumers were paying for the infrastructure, whose cost would be included in the electricity fee.
The mayor argued that electricity should otherwise be free.
Ntebatse Masipa is a journalist at Daily Sun, specializing in crime, education, health, service delivery stories and human-interest stories.
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