As South Africa faces another steep electricity price increase this month, with municipalities implementing NERSA-approved tariff hikes of 11.32% from 1 July 2025, UTCS (Utility Consulting Solutions) offers a solution for businesses and municipalities struggling to manage increasing energy costs.
UTCS has developed a software solution that enables smart power to lower costs.
The latest round of increases, following Eskom's 12.74% hike for direct customers implemented in April 2025, represents a further blow to consumers and businesses already dealing with electricity costs continually rising at more than double the Consumer Price Index.
As well as raising prices, the 2025 tariff increases introduce a fundamental restructuring of how South Africa's 165 licensed municipal electricity distributors purchase and distribute power. All bulk supply options have been consolidated into a single tariff structure called ‘Municflex’, forcing municipalities to rethink their electricity procurement strategies.
"We're witnessing a major shift in South Africa's electricity landscape," said Christo Nicholls, CEO of UTCS. "The usual approach of passing on increased costs to consumers is no longer sustainable. Municipalities and businesses need sophisticated, technology-driven solutions to navigate the complex new tariff structures and keep electricity affordable for their operations and the communities they serve."
UTCS has developed a solution that transforms how organisations approach electricity procurement and management. The company's Digital Energy Platform has already been used in facilitating the trading of over 1.5 million units of unused electricity back into local grids, demonstrating the significant potential for smart energy management.
The new electricity trading platform empowers municipalities and businesses to navigate tariff increases through smart energy management.
"Our platform helps customers buy electricity – and it helps them become electricity traders," Nicholls explained. "We have brought together fit-for-purpose technology, legislative compliance, and pragmatic institutionalisation. This supports cost savings and, more importantly, it’s about changing how South Africa approaches energy security."
UTCS addresses the complex needs of municipalities through bespoke, legally compliant electricity day-trading software that operates like stock trading for electricity. This sophisticated platform provides real-time market analysis, enabling municipalities to purchase bulk electricity at optimal rates. Advanced forecasting tools help navigate the intricate new Municflex tariff structure. The company's specialised consulting services ensure full NERSA compliance throughout the transition process.
For businesses and consumers, UTCS delivers smart timing strategies for electricity purchases that help avoid expensive tariff blocks, maximising cost efficiency within the new rate structures. The platform integrates rooftop solar installations with unused energy trading capabilities, allowing clients to sell excess power back to the grid. Through comprehensive energy audits and consumption optimisation services, combined with extensive education on alternative electricity trading methods, UTCS empowers clients to transition from being passive consumers to become active participants in the energy market.
UTCS's approach aligns with South Africa's broader Just Energy Transition goals, ensuring that technological solutions benefit all stakeholders. The company's framework makes smart energy management accessible to small municipalities and large corporations, democratising access to sophisticated energy trading tools.
"When we say, 'affordable electricity for all', we mean it," Nicholls emphasised. "Our technology stack removes the complexity of energy trading while ensuring full regulatory compliance. We are helping our clients save money and we are helping them take control of their energy future."
With the municipal tariff increases implemented from 1 July 2025, UTCS is urging businesses and municipalities to act quickly. The company is offering expedited consultations and implementation services to help clients manage the initial impact of the new tariff structures.
"The traditional mode of electricity consumption is no longer adequate," Nicholls said. "The reality of rising costs, complex regulations, and limited supply options nonetheless presents a valuable opportunity for those willing to embrace alternative thinking. As electricity costs continue to rise, we need to find a way to thrive despite them."
For more information visit https://utcs.co.za
