The summer tariffs which have reportedly been greenlit by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) were announced by the Democratic Alliance’s Mangaung Caucus on Thursday 26 August, who have received the tariffs positively. 

The tariffs have been broken down as R2.04 for the first 350 units a household buys in a month, irrespective of which time in the month those units are purchased. OFM News’ Olebogeng Motse reports after that, households will then pay R2,35 per unit until the last day of the month.  

Complaints regarding Centlec’s winter electricity tariffs have been on the rise of late. The rates have been compared to those of Mossel Bay Local Municipality in the Western Cape and Mahikeng Local Municipality in the North West, amongst others with residents lamenting that the prices are exorbitant. It is shown that prior to the implementation of the summer rates in 1 September, R1000 would get you 504 units in Mossel Bay as compared to between 297 and 388 units in Mangaung Metro, whereas R500 would get you 356 units in Mahikeng and 198,2 units if you’re in Bloemfontein.  

Centlec spokesperson, Lele Mamatu, has criticised these comparisons, saying as per the Municipal Systems Act, Mangaung is a Category A municipality, whereas the other two are not, therefore tariffs are higher in the metro. Furthermore, Centlec stresses the 14,59% hike in the price of electricity has been green-lit by Nersa and is therefore above board.

The DA’s Mangaung Caucus on the other end says “it is without a doubt that electricity has become unaffordable for the majority of residents in Mangaung” going as far as establishing a petition to that effect on the matter.

Most recently Centlec cut off power supply to a Bloemfontein business and government entity for their outstanding bills. Revealing that the utility is owned R400 million by businesses in Mangaung Metro, which includes Bloemfontein, Wepener, Dewetsdorp, Soutpan, Botshabelo and Thaba’ Nchu.

OFM News