The Mangaung Metro Municipality’s power utility was reacting to one post in particular which compares Centlec’s tariffs for electricity to that of the Mossel Bay's Local Municipality in the Western Cape. 

It is shown that R1 000 will get you 504 units in Mossel Bay as compared to between 297 and 388 units in the Mangaung Metro, which include Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba’ Nchu, Dewetsdorp, and Wepener. 

Centlec spokesperson, Lele Mamatu, says the comparison is grossly unfair in the light of the sizes and categories of the municipalities under scrutiny.

Mamatu says as per the Municipal Systems Act, Mangaung is a category A municipality, whereas Mossel Bay is a category B municipality. 

He maintains Mangaung’s tariffs need to be juxtaposed with those of a category A municipality for a fair comparison. 

Furthermore, Centlec stresses the 14,59% hike in the price of electricity has been greenlit by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) and is therefore above board.

The complaints come as Centlec has been clamping down on outstanding electricity bills by local businesses. In recent weeks, the power utility cut off power supply to the head office of the Free State Development Corporation (FDC) and the Loch Logan Waterfront in Bloemfontein. The FDC reportedly owes the utility close to R300 million for services rendered. This is the highest amount of money owed to the utility presently. In total, businesses/entities in Mangaung Metro owe Centlec R 400 million.

Mamatu confirms that a payment agreement has been reached between the entity and the power utility, resulting in a reconnection. 

It remains to be seen if the embattled FDC will be able to meet the conditions and deadlines of its agreement with the power utility. 

Media queries sent to the FDC’s communication and marketing team last week are yet to be answered.

OFM News