Cape Town’s Innovative Cash for Power Program Hits R50 Million Earnings Milestone

In a groundbreaking achievement, the City of Cape Town’s Cash for Power program has successfully generated over R50 million in earnings for participants since its inception. Launched in the fiscal year 2022/23, this initiative marked Cape Town as the first metro in South Africa to purchase surplus solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity from small-scale generators.

The program has resonated with both residential and commercial entities, encouraging a swift adoption of solar energy solutions across the city. As of February 1, 2025, the total earnings have already surpassed R55 million, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm and investment in renewable energy within the local community.

Under the innovative scheme, the City of Cape Town credits the power seller’s entire municipal bill down to zero, providing significant cash savings. For power amounts exceeding a zero bill, the program allows entities to accumulate credits. Residential accounts can cash out once they accrue R1,000, while commercial accounts do so at R5,000.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed his contentment with the program’s outcomes, noting the fiscal benefits for the city's residents and businesses. "We are delighted to reach the R50 million mark in Cash for Power earnings for Capetonians. We are on track to double earnings in the 2024/25 fiscal year compared to the first year of our programme," said Hill-Lewis.

Currently, the Cash for Power scheme benefits 1,842 sellers, split between 1,090 residential and 752 commercial or industrial entities. This uptake highlights the significant shift towards renewable energy sources among Capetonians, mirroring global trends in sustainable practices.

This progressive initiative not only supports Cape Town’s environmental goals but also provides a financial incentive for the adoption of green technology, paving the way for a sustainable future. As the program continues to expand, it serves as a model for other cities globally, advocating for increased reliance on renewable energy while offering economic benefits to its participants.