Devastating financial impact of double-digit electricity increases on entry and middle-income households

In the wake of the 15% increase in electricity tariffs for 2021/22, many households will have to review their already stretched budgets to keep the lights on. According to FNB insights, electricity spend is one of the largest spend categories for entry to middle income customers. As a result, these customers need to review their monthly budgets to accommodate the increase and overall cost of living.

FNB data shows that the average electricity spend by a customer who holds its Entry Market bank account (Easy accountholder) increased by 9% (on average) between 2019 and 2020. The average monthly electricity spend by a Middle Market (Gold accountholder) customer increased by 15% while a Mass Affluent (Premier accountholder) customer spent 14% more on electricity over the same period. These customers regularly turn to eBucks to supplement their electricity purchases, using roughly R4.5 million worth of eBucks for electricity purchases over the same period.

CEO of the Middle Market segment, Rob Gwerengwe says, “The reality is that all customers will need to factor a 15% increase on what they have been spending on electricity on a monthly basis. In the case of a household which spends roughly R500 per month on electricity, that household has to factor at least R75 in addition to what they have been paying. Unfortunately, this increase comes at a time when customers are heavily strained financially and these financially stressful times require every individual to scrutinise their budget a lot closer.

The sentiment is echoed by Kamal Kalian, CEO of Mass Affluent segment at FNB, who says, “It’s no secret that the finances of customers in these income categories are stretched and some often rely on debt to get through the month.