Energy Partners and Investec have joined forces to launch EPIX, an independent electricity trading business giving SA companies greater choice, flexibility and control over how they source renewable electricity.
For businesses looking to manage energy costs more effectively, South Africa’s evolving electricity market is opening new ways to buy power more intelligently, sourcing renewable electricity from different generators and structuring supply around a business’ consumption patterns and commercial requirements.
This is the opportunity behind EPIX, a 50/50 joint venture between Energy Partners and Investec, established to connect renewable electricity generators with C&I customers.
More choice in how businesses buy electricity
Rather than tying customers to a single generation project or supplier, EPIX operates as an independent, technology- and supplier-agnostic electricity trader.
This means it can source power competitively from a broad range of qualifying renewable generators, including projects that have not been developed or financed by either shareholder.
By analysing customers’ consumption profiles, sustainability objectives and commercial requirements, EPIX can combine electricity from different generation sources and develop tailored supply arrangements through a single provider.
The aim is to give businesses more flexibility in how they procure renewable electricity, while helping them manage energy costs, supply requirements and long-term sustainability commitments.
Combining financial strength with operational energy expertise
EPIX brings together the complementary capabilities of two established businesses.
Investec contributes financial strength, renewable energy market expertise, generation sourcing capabilities and established market relationships.
Energy Partners brings its technical, operational and commercial energy expertise, built through developing, financing, owning and operating energy infrastructure for industrial and commercial customers.
An important part of this offering is Syntiro, Energy Partners’ financial control system for energy, which provides customers with a consolidated view of electricity consumption, on-site generation, wheeled power and sustainability data. This visibility supports more informed decisions about energy procurement, operating performance and future investment.
Already operational, with plans to expand
EPIX commenced operations following the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA) approval of the transfer of Investec’s electricity trading licence to the joint venture in June 2026. Its first generation facility began trading on 15 August 2026, with a second facility expected to commence trading as the business expands its renewable electricity portfolio.
Initially, EPIX will source electricity from these facilities and wheel power to customers across sectors including mining, food and beverage, manufacturing, logistics, retail and property.
Looking ahead, EPIX intends to broaden its generation mix beyond solar by incorporating wind, hydro and battery energy storage, which will provide greater flexibility in matching renewable generation with customers’ electricity consumption requirements.
EPIX also plans to explore opportunities within the Southern African Power Pool, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.
