INDUSTRY JOURNAL Vol . 8
• The operation of a generator with a capacity of 100kW to 100MW and a point of connection on the distribution power system , in circumstances in which : » the generator supplies electricity to a customer or related customer ( s ) with or without wheeling of that electricity ; and
» the generator complies with the Grid Code ( s ) and has entered into a connection agreement with the holder of the distribution licence in respect of the power system over which the electricity is to be wheeled .
• The operation of a generator for demonstration purposes only ( not longer than 36 months ).
• The operation of a generator where the electricity is produced from waste or the residual product of an underlying industrial process .
• The continued operation of an existing generator which , immediately prior to the date of commencement of this Schedule , was exempt from the requirement to apply for and hold a licence under the Act .
Explanation This means that any generator of 100MW or less , which is gridtied ( whether exporting energy into the grid or not ) and supplying a customer or related customer ( s ) ( even 100kW and below ), will have to be registered with NERSA . NERSA will require information from the Utility to ensure that a grid connection is possible , and there will need to be an application by the customer to be grid-tied , the quoted fees to be paid and the required agreements to be signed .
Generator requiring registration Any generator :
• Above 100kW
• supplying more than one non-related party , irrespective of size , will require registration .
• Exceptions : A generator above 100kW used for demonstration purposes for no longer than 36 months
• A generator producing electricity from waste heat .
Generator network configurations Carefully consider what generator configuration to install , as this influences the legal , regulatory and technology standards , tariffs and metering equipment requirements . The following Utility configurations are available :
An off-grid system
An off-grid system is one where there is no electrical tie that links the generator with the Utility grid . The generator is therefore not grid-tied ( not electrically connected to the Utility grid ) and does not need a Utility supply to work . This type of installation does not require authorisation from the Utility and this installation does not need to be registered with NERSA .
A standby generator A standby generator configuration may or may not be grid-tied . For a grid-tied standby generator , an application will be required to be made to the Utility to authorise the generator .
A generator that is not grid-tied ( not electrically connected to the Utility grid ) and does not need a Utility supply to work , does not require authorisation from Eskom .
In both cases , the standby generator does not need to be registered with NERSA , subject to it only being used for periods of electricity supply interruptions .
Installations designed to consume all the power generated ( non-export )
This generator configuration is one that is electrically connected to the Utility grid ( is grid-tied ) and provides electricity to the customer ’ s property when required and is designed such that no energy is exported into the Utility grid .
As the generator configuration is grid-tied , even if there is no export of energy into the Utility grid , it requires Utility authorisation . Depending on the criteria set out in Schedule 2 , the generator will
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