South Africa's long-awaited opening of its electricity transmission grid to private builders has slipped. The Department of Electricity and Energy and the National Treasury have delayed the final request for proposals for Phase I of the Independent Transmission Projects programme to the second quarter of 2027.
Phase I covers roughly 1,164 kilometres of new transmission lines and would be the first time private companies design, finance, build, operate and maintain national grid infrastructure in the country.
Government says the pause allows further consultation with seven prequalified bidders and finalisation of a credit guarantee vehicle intended to make the projects bankable.
Business Leadership South Africa's chief executive called the delay unfortunate slippage but preferable to a failed procurement, warning that without a clear timetable to financial close the new lines are unlikely to be operating by the end of the decade, while grid capacity remains the main constraint on connecting new generation.
