Investec secures NERSA licence to trade electricity in South Africa
Investec has received approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to trade electricity
Image: File
Investec has received approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to trade electricity, officially allowing the bank to participate in the buying and selling of energy within the country.
The bank confirmed the news in a statement on Friday, saying the licence will help clients access cleaner, cost-effective power while supporting the country’s move towards a more sustainable energy system.
“This licence is more than a regulatory milestone landmark – it’s about unlocking competitive advantage for our clients,” Mpho Modise, Head of Renewable Energy Trading at Investec, said.
“As South Africa navigates rising energy costs and ongoing supply challenges, we are focused on providing innovative, cost-effective solutions that not only future-proof businesses but also accelerate the shift to renewable energy.”
The bank added that the licence positions Investec as a key player in the energy sector, enabling it to partner with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to fund, purchase, and transport renewable energy across the grid.
Investec said it aims to offer businesses flexible, capital-free access to cleaner energy while helping to ease pressure on the national grid. The bank also revealed its first energy trading project will involve purchasing solar power from the Ilikwa Solar PV Facility in the Free State.
“For us this licence is not just about energy – it’s about enabling strategic advantage, resilience, and long-term value,” Modise said.
Investec’s first power procurement project is currently under construction and is expected to come online in Q2 2026.
IOL previously reported that Power Utility Eskom came out guns blazing against the decision by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to issue multiple electricity trading licenses within Eskom’s service area, a move the utility argues violates regulatory guidelines.
Minister for Electricity and Energy, Kgosientso Ramakgopa, has also previously urged the power utility to withdraw its ongoing court challenge against Nersa regarding the awarding of electricity trading licences to private companies.
"I've raised it with the chair. Don't enter the court process. Let's not muddy the space. We have agreed, next time doing that, the shareholder will also oversee the process," Ramokgopa said.
"It's a particularly unhelpful approach to muddy the waters".
IOL Business
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za