The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has extended the deadline for written comments on the Market Code and Market Rules needed before the South African Electricity Wholesale Market (SAWEM) can be implemented.

The deadline for written comments has been extended to June 22 from May 29 and the regulator also announced that it would host virtual public hearings on July 1.

The initial deadline for the launch of the SAWEM had been set for April 2026.

Implementation was delayed, however, following an assessment by Nersa and other industry participants that concluded that additional work was required to ensure that all market, operational and regulatory requirements were fully in place.

The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), which was licensed as the Market Operator in December 2024, applied to Nersa for approval of the Market Code and Market Rules on February 25.

On April 17, Nersa published a consultation paper to guide stakeholders in making comments on the application.

In a statement confirming the delay, Nersa again encouraged members of the public to provide written input on the consultation paper, and said that those wishing to make oral representations at the hearing should submit a request to do so also by June 22.