ADVERTISEMENT:

 

 
 

Generic image.

Electricity tariff hike looming, but thank goodness for pre-paid

Date: 18 March 2021 By: Andries van Zyl

Consumers will soon be expected to pay more for their electricity, following Eskom’s recent announcement that they would be implementing a 15,6% increase as from 1 April this year. The increase is sure to place an even bigger burden on already cash-strapped taxpayers.

At a local level, the Makhado Municipality will be implementing the new electricity tariff increases from 1 July this year as part of their 2021/22 budget. According to municipal spokesperson Mr Louis Bobodi, the municipality will adjust tariffs according to the determination of the National Electricity Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

Before that can happen, however, certain processes need to be followed. “Through the municipal budget-consultation processes, the electricity tariffs will be included and by that time NERSA would have advised municipalities about the needed percentage changes,” explained Bobodi.

So, are consumers in for a shock? Judging by Bobodi’s response, perhaps not that big of a shock. “NERSA advises yearly about the percentage change and is averaged at the yearly inflation rate,” said Bobodi. One thing is, however, certain – you are going to pay more.

In the meantime, the country once again found itself at the mercy of Eskom’s load shedding the past week. This is forcing many people, especially those in business, to rethink their dependence on Eskom for electricity once more. In our 5 March edition, the Zoutpansberger addressed this issue by looking at the affordability of solar power as an alternative.

On a positive note, the Makhado Municipality is continuing with the installation of free single-phase pre-paid electricity meters at residential properties in an effort to combat billing mistakes on residents’ monthly municipal accounts. “A significant number of private homes are now on single-phase pre-paid arrangement. The municipality is intending to also install three-phase meters in the near future, pending the technical study on the matter to weigh the pros and cons,” said Bobodi.

A downside to the pre-paid meters is that some residents say they are experiencing problems purchasing electricity online. “We can confirm that people are able to buy online; however, if there are some who are still facing some challenges and need help, they can contact Mr Lavhelesani Luvhimba on 082 554 9883,” said Bobodi.

Another issue raised by some pre-paid-meter owners is the fact that some can only make cash purchases, with some pay points refusing debit and credit cards. “They are able to buy at municipal pay points [with debit and credit cards]. However, with third-party vendors, the relationship is between the vendor and the service provider appointed for pre-paid by the municipality,” said Bobodi.

 

 
 
 

Viewed: 886

 

 
 

Andries van Zyl

Andries joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in April 1993 as a darkroom assistant. Within a couple of months he moved over to the production side of the newspaper and eventually doubled as a reporter. In 1995 he left the newspaper group and travelled overseas for a couple of months. In 1996, Andries rejoined the Zoutpansberger as a reporter. In August 2002, he was appointed as News Editor of the Zoutpansberger, a position he holds until today.

 
 

More photos... 

ADVERTISEMENT

 
 

ADVERTISEMENT:

 
 

ADVERTISEMENT