# Eskom pushes solar users to register or face penalties

VAAL TRIANGLE - Eskom is warning South Africans with grid-tied solar systems to register with the Small-Scale Embedded Generation programme by March 2026 or face disconnection and penalties. Speaking to the Daily Investor, energy expert Vally Padayachee confirmed that Eskom plans a surcharge, even for registered solar users, to cover grid maintenance. Padayachee also said that Eskom plans to increase fixed daily network charges under its Retail Tariff Plan, affecting solar users who rely on the grid as backup. He says that compliance is crucial to ensure grid stability and fair infrastructure costs for all users.