Johannesburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda has refuted claims that there was insufficient consultation regarding the R200 monthly prepaid electricity surcharge.
City Power customers will now pay this surcharge in addition to a 12.7% electricity tariff hike that also took effect on Monday.
According to the City, the fee is intended to generate revenue for investment in new electricity infrastructure and maintenance of the existing infrastructure.
Gwamanda says the surcharge benefits residents.
“We are in fact redressing the situation by implementing a long-standing council resolution. Of course, it is hard hitting for the consumer. But it is in their best interest that we are doing this. This goes back to 2018 when this report was approved by council for this fee to be introduced,” says Gwamanda.
Some Johannesburg residents insist they were not consulted about the surcharge. Many have taken to social media to voice their frustrations.
Scrap the prepaid electricity fixed service surcharge of R200 in @CityofJoburgZA This is crucial to bring relief to many households that cannot afford these exorbitant hikes. If City Power needs money, start with your Blue Light brigade budget Mr Mayor @OUTASA @wayneduv
— Julius Kleynhans (@JuliusKleynhans) July 5, 2024
City Power is gona have to walk this R200 surcharge back. People it wasn’t meant to affect are being affected. Coz how do you say this charge won’t affect low income households when low income households use prepaid electricity in their majority?
— a Nativ (@RoninDexx) July 4, 2024
So vele Johannesburg residents are chill’d about the City Power R200 prepaid electricity fee? 👀 Mos kora gore le bahumi ka nnete lena. Entlek how does work exactly? If u buy R100 electricity, u must pay R200 on top? 🤔
— T H A B I L L I O N (@ThabisoMalatj27) July 5, 2024
City Power | Pressure of rising electricity costs
