City to refund customers charged R200 fixed fee

The City of Ekurhuleni wishes to notify all customers that the electricity tariff, tariff B residential vending category, that was erroneously linked to the business fixed charge of R200 instead of a residential fixed charge of R52 has been corrected.
The error has been corrected and linked to the correct fixed charge, which will be effective from today.
“All tariff B residential customers who have already purchased and paid the R200 fixed charge will be refunded the overcharged amount in the form of replacement unit as and when they visit customer care centres.
“The City apologises for the inconvenience caused,” said Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, divisional head for communication and media relations.
The DA has responded to the City’s statement and says they do not agree with this process, as it is not fair to expect residents to queue at CCCs, amid an even deadlier Covid-19 third wave.
“It is extremely irresponsible of the ANC and its coalition partners to expect residents to forgo their safety and put their lives in tremendous danger.
“As the DA, we believe it is the responsibility of the City to ensure this situation is remedied without forcing residents to put their health and safety in danger.
“The metro should ensure that those who were affected are credited via their meter numbers.
“Residents should also note that a fixed charge is payable monthly, whether electricity is consumed or not.
“Residents who use a combination of solar and municipal power will still be liable to fixed charges, on a monthly basis, ” said Clr Lornette Joseph, DA councillor for Ward 27.
The party also said residents should also be aware that free basic electricity is now limited to 50kWh and is only available to indigent registered households.
“While the City has not formally communicated with Ekurhuleni residents, DA councillors have been working tirelessly to disseminate information to disgruntled residents.
“As the DA, we trust that this costly mistake by the City will be rectified promptly,” said Joseph.