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Energy Purchase Agreement
I need an energy purchase agreement for a renewable energy project, specifying a 10-year term with fixed pricing, a minimum purchase obligation, and provisions for grid connection and maintenance responsibilities. The agreement should also include clauses for performance guarantees and penalties for non-compliance.
What is an Energy Purchase Agreement?
An Energy Purchase Agreement sets out the terms for buying and selling electricity between independent power producers and energy buyers in South Africa. These long-term contracts typically cover everything from pricing and delivery schedules to performance standards and maintenance requirements.
Under NERSA regulations and the Electricity Regulation Act, these agreements help private generators sell power directly to municipalities, mines, and industrial customers. They've become especially important since the reform of electricity laws allowed private energy trading, offering businesses a way to secure reliable power supply beyond Eskom's grid.
When should you use an Energy Purchase Agreement?
Consider an Energy Purchase Agreement when your business needs a stable, long-term power supply outside of Eskom's grid. This agreement becomes essential for mining operations, manufacturing facilities, or commercial properties looking to secure electricity from independent power producers at predictable rates.
The agreement proves particularly valuable during load-shedding periods, as it guarantees your power supply through private generation. It's also crucial when planning renewable energy projects, expanding operations, or meeting sustainability targets under South Africa's carbon tax regulations. Many companies use these agreements to lock in competitive electricity rates while ensuring compliance with NERSA requirements.
What are the different types of Energy Purchase Agreement?
- Corporate Power Purchase Agreement: Used by large businesses buying power directly from generators, offering flexibility for high-volume consumption and complex operational needs.
- Residential Solar PPA: Designed for homeowners installing solar systems, with simplified terms and consumer protection provisions.
- PPA Agreement Solar: Specialized for solar installations, including technical specifications and performance guarantees unique to photovoltaic systems.
- Third Party Solar Power Purchase Agreement: Structured for arrangements involving external investors or energy service companies managing solar installations.
Who should typically use an Energy Purchase Agreement?
- Independent Power Producers: Generate and sell electricity through the agreement, handling technical compliance and power delivery commitments under NERSA regulations.
- Corporate Buyers: Manufacturing plants, mines, and large businesses that purchase power directly from generators to ensure reliable supply.
- Legal Teams: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with electricity regulations and protect both parties' interests.
- Technical Consultants: Advise on power specifications, grid connection requirements, and performance standards.
- Municipal Authorities: Often involved as power purchasers or in approving grid connections for local distribution.
How do you write an Energy Purchase Agreement?
- Power Requirements: Calculate your exact electricity needs, peak demand periods, and expected consumption patterns.
- Technical Details: Document generation capacity, connection points, and grid compliance specifications.
- Pricing Structure: Determine base rates, escalation formulas, and any peak/off-peak variations.
- Performance Standards: Define minimum supply levels, reliability metrics, and maintenance schedules.
- Regulatory Compliance: Gather NERSA licenses, environmental permits, and municipal approvals.
- Risk Management: Our platform helps outline force majeure conditions, termination rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms in line with South African law.
What should be included in an Energy Purchase Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, registration numbers, and NERSA license details of both generator and purchaser.
- Supply Terms: Specific power quantities, delivery points, and technical specifications as per Grid Code requirements.
- Payment Structure: Price calculations, billing cycles, and escalation formulas aligned with CPI.
- Performance Standards: Minimum supply guarantees, maintenance schedules, and grid compliance requirements.
- Risk Allocation: Force majeure provisions, liability limits, and termination rights under South African law.
- Dispute Resolution: Clear arbitration procedures following local ADR protocols and jurisdiction specifications.
What's the difference between an Energy Purchase Agreement and an Asset Purchase Agreement?
An Energy Purchase Agreement often gets confused with a Asset Purchase Agreement, but they serve distinctly different purposes in South Africa's energy sector. Here are the key differences:
- Transaction Nature: Energy Purchase Agreements cover ongoing electricity supply and payments, while Asset Purchase Agreements involve a one-time transfer of power generation equipment or facilities.
- Duration: EPAs typically run for 15-25 years with regular performance reviews, whereas Asset Purchase Agreements conclude once the asset transfer is complete.
- Payment Structure: EPAs involve recurring payments based on actual electricity consumption, while Asset Purchase Agreements feature a single payment or structured installments for asset acquisition.
- Regulatory Framework: EPAs must comply with NERSA regulations and Grid Code requirements, while Asset Purchase Agreements focus on transfer of ownership and warranties under standard commercial law.
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