The tariff hike of 12,72% in electricity Eskom has implemented on 1 April applies to consumers purchasing electricity directly from the power supplier. The increase for consumers purchasing electricity supplied by municipalities will only apply at the beginning of July.
The anticipated electricity increase by the various municipalities to apply to their consumers will be concurrent with the municipal property rates and taxes, water, sewage and sanitation as well as refuse collection. The Eskom tariff for the current fiscal year (2024-’25) became effective following approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
The energy supplier stated that the average increase applied to the key industrial and urban tariffs will be 13.29% due to the increase in the affordability subsidy charge.
Last year, the energy regulator approved Eskom’s price increases of 18,65%.
Eskom applied for an increase , owing to the huge debt by defaulting municipalities and their failure to service their accounts. Several cash-strapped municipalities continue failing to honour intergovernmental relations aimed at alleviating their debts, which have continued to increase beyond their abilities.
Several Free State municipalities hugely indebted to Eskom have applied for the National Treasury’s debt relief programme.
However, consumers supplied by Centlec should brace themselves for winter tariffs that will be effective on 1 June, and which Nersa does not regulate.
“All our clients are advised that Centlec’s winter tariffs will be effective from 1 June until 31 August. Summer tariffs will commence on 1 September this year,” said Lele Mamatu, spokesperson for Centlec.
The new tariff increase will be effective from 1 July, the entity said. The entity explained that it has applied to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) for consideration and approval for new tariff increase for the financial period in question.
The tariff increase on 1 July will apply to consumers purchasing electricity supplied by Centlec.
