Electricity tariffs unpacked: What Brakpan homeowners need to know
The City of Ekurhuleni has provided clarity and context on the fixed charge and the structure of electricity tariffs for the 2025/2026 financial year.
It is important to note that the fixed charge on electricity bills is not unique to Ekurhuleni. Municipalities across the country have similar charges in place as part of their standard tariff structures.
Secondly, the city's electricity tariff structure is determined and regulated by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).
Municipalities are required to review their tariffs annually, as well as undertake a Cost of Supply (CoS) study every five years, which influences how tariffs are set. The latest changes reflect compliance with these national requirements and the outcomes of our most recent CoS study.
For residential customers, there are two main tariff options:
1. Tariff A (Inclined Block Tariff – IBT):
This tariff is divided into two categories:
• Category A1: Designed for approved indigent and deemed indigent residential customers, this subsidized option is best for low consumption households. Customers in this category also receive 50kWh of free basic electricity (FBE) per month and are not required to pay a basic monthly charge.
• Category A2: For non-indigent, low consumption residential customers. Unlike A1, A2 customers do not receive free basic electricity. A basic monthly charge has been introduced for the 2025/2026 financial year:
a) Single phase supply: R109.78 (excluding VAT) per month
b) Three phase supply: R203.89 (excluding VAT) per month
The purpose of this basic charge is to help the municipality recover the costs associated with distributing electricity, as well as ongoing repairs and maintenance.
2. Tariff B Residential:
Available for all residential customers (excluding medium and high voltage users), this option suits medium to high consumption households. It also includes a monthly basic charge (introduced in 2018):
a) Single phase supply: R109.78 (excluding VAT) per month
b) Three phase supply: R203.89 (excluding VAT) per month
Customers can choose their preferred tariff option based on their consumption patterns and, if qualifying, may benefit from the relief provided under Tariff 1.A (for indigent households).
Customers are required to remain on their selected tariff for a minimum of 12 months before switching. The city urges all qualifying residents to apply for the indigent social package to benefit from the subsidies and free basic electricity available under Category A1.
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