Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré confirms over 7,000 buildings have registered for Energy Performance Certificates ahead of the 7 December 2025 deadline.
The initiative, launched in December 2020, forms part of the Department of Electricity and Energy’s strategy, in partnership with the South African Energy Development Institute (Sanedi), to drive energy efficiency across the country.
As of 21 July 2025, a total of 7,113 buildings have been registered, with 3,884 EPCs already issued. Gauteng leads the registrations with 1,689 certificates, followed by the Western Cape with 1,565. The Northern Cape trails behind with only 11 EPCs issued. Other provinces include KwaZulu-Natal (305), Eastern Cape (111), Mpumalanga (64), Free State (55), Limpopo (47), and North West (37).
In terms of regulations under the National Energy Act, 1998, all state-owned buildings over 1,000m² and commercial buildings over 2,000m² falling under specific occupancy classifications must register and display EPCs by the deadline.
EPCs measure a building’s energy performance and serve as tools to identify inefficient buildings, guide improved consumption, and support greenhouse gas reduction goals through targeted interventions.
Deputy Minister Graham-Maré urged property owners to prioritise registration. “We aim to reach 60,000 registrations. I am working with Minister Dean McPherson and local leaders to ensure this receives urgent attention,” she said.
She encouraged the adoption of energy-saving methods such as solar panels, LED lighting, and smart geysers, adding, “There’s a role for every South African to play in lowering emissions and embracing energy efficiency”.
