Parliament, Wednesday, 6 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy today received a briefing on the Gas Bill, 2026, from the Department of Electricity and Energy.
The Bill’s objective is to modernise South Africa’s regulatory framework for the gas sector and to strengthen the country’s long-term energy security. The Bill proposes the repeal of the existing Gas Act of 2001 and introduces a more responsive framework that considers technological advancements, investment needs and the evolving energy landscape.
In its presentation, the department emphasised that the Bill is intended to create a predictable and investor-friendly regulatory environment while enhancing the powers of the energy regulator to ensure effective oversight, compliance and enforcement. The legislation forms part of a broader policy approach, alongside the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the forthcoming Gas Master Plan, which together seek to address the country’s future energy requirements and mitigate the anticipated gas supply constraints by 2030.
The department indicated that gas will play a critical role in supporting the transition away from coal-based energy, through gas-to-power initiatives that are expected to contribute significantly to replacing capacity in the coming years. It further committed to returning to Parliament before the end of the year with clearer timelines and measures to address the projected “gas cliff”, including plans to secure supply and accelerate infrastructure development.
Members of the committee welcomed the objectives of the Bill but raised numerous concerns and proposals aimed at strengthening the legislation. A key issue highlighted was the affordability of gas and the regulation of tariffs. Committee members emphasised the need to ensure that pricing mechanisms protect households and industry, while preventing monopolistic practices in what remains a concentrated market. The committee also highlighted the importance of fostering competition and ensuring fair access to infrastructure for both established and emerging players in the sector.
The committee expressed concerns about the pace and extent of gas infrastructure development, particularly the need to expand access beyond large-scale industrial users to reach communities and small businesses. Members stressed that while the Bill provides for an enabling framework, it must ultimately contribute to tangible benefits for ordinary South Africans, including improved access to cleaner and more affordable energy sources.
The issue of inclusive economic participation also featured prominently in discussions, with calls for stronger support for small-scale operators and emerging enterprises across the gas value chain. In this regard, the department noted complementary initiatives, including programmes to promote clean cooking and expand “last-mile” distribution, which aim to broaden access to gas at household level and stimulate local economic activity.
Environmental protection and community safeguards were also raised as critical considerations. Members highlighted the need for robust measures to ensure that gas developments are undertaken responsibly, with proper environmental impact assessments, emissions management, and land rehabilitation processes in place. The department indicated that such safeguards are integrated through existing regulatory requirements and form part of the licensing conditions overseen by the regulator.
The committee further emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance between strengthening enforcement powers and safeguarding due process, noting that the Bill introduces administrative mechanisms to improve compliance while retaining avenues for legal review and oversight.
The committee reiterated its support for the strategic role of gas in South Africa’s energy mix and industrialisation agenda. However, it stressed that the success of the legislation will depend on its implementation, the development of the Gas Master Plan, and the ability of the state to translate policy into concrete outcomes that support economic growth, job creation and improved energy access.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY, MS ZAMA KHANYASE.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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