After the City of Johannesburg reversed the Lifeline tariffs of approximately 15 000 ratepayers earlier this year, they were granted three months to register again, but only after qualifying for the Expanded Social Package (ESP) first.
The three month grace period ends on Saturday, 30 September.
The Lifeline tariff exempted residents from paying network and service charges on their municipal bills if they used less than 500kWh every month. This applied to any resident, whether they were needy or not.
But earlier this year, when the City started applying the network and service charges to Lifeline customers, it created a lot of confusion.
The City explained that the Lifeline tariff was only meant for those who qualify for the ESP, in other words not all residents who benifitted from Lifeline tariffs previously were supposed to.
Now, resident’s usage will no longer be the sole determinant to qualify, since the ESP was designed to help those living on a monthly income of less than R5 308.20 to gain access to water, electricity, refuse removal and property rate rebates.
Kgamanyane Maphologela, Group Finance spokesperson, said going forward, all customers who don’t meet the criteria of the ESP will revert to the normal network and service charges.
Maphologela said needy customers can register to receive the ESP tariff at one of the City’s Customer Service Centres.
Pensioners who used to benefit from the Lifeline tariff because they consumed little electricity, contacted Randburg Sun and said they are concerned about the charges they will now have to start paying.
Roland Solomon, a pensioner who lives in Blairgowrie, said since the tariff change his account increased by a few hundred rands. He is concerned about his costs going up since he no longer has the ability to earn extra income.
“While I do have a roof over my head, I fear what will happen going forward.”
But residents can still save the monthly service and network fees, which on average total R500, by installing a prepaid electricity meter. You can apply for it and receive a quote for a single or three-phase meter. You can also inquire whether you currently have a smart meter or an old postpaid meter.
Details: City Power prepaid queries 011 490 7484; estimations@citypower.co.za.
To register for the ESP, residents need proof of income, three months’ bank statements, an identity document, electricity account or prepaid electricity card or meter number and a water account. The package is renewable every six months.
ALSO READ:
Inflating costs worry Joburg pensioners
Health and Social Development MMC launches a new ESP
