City of Johannesburg Denies Electricity Surcharge Increase Amid Public Confusion

The City of Johannesburg has moved to clear the air following widespread public confusion about an alleged increase to its electricity surcharge.

Recent reports suggested that the surcharge—first introduced in July 2024—had been increased from R200 to R270, sparking public backlash amid already strained household budgets. However, Finance MMC Margaret Arnolds has confirmed that no such increase has been made.

Speaking to media, Arnolds emphasized that the surcharge remains fixed at R200, dismissing claims of an additional R70 charge as misinformation.

“Let me set the record straight: the surcharge of R200 remains at R200. It’s not going to be increased to R270—it will not change,” said Arnolds.

Surcharge Not Unique to Joburg

Arnolds also clarified that Johannesburg is not the only metro applying a surcharge to electricity tariffs. Several other metros across the country—including Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane—either already apply similar surcharges or are in the process of implementing them.

“A surcharge has been put in place not only in the City of Johannesburg—Cape Town has had theirs much longer, and Ekurhuleni and Tshwane are following,” Arnolds explained.

Public Concern Over Rising Utility Bills

The initial introduction of the surcharge last year sparked concern among residents already grappling with rising electricity tariffs, inflation, and the lingering impact of load shedding.

While the city maintains that the R200 surcharge is necessary to sustain electricity infrastructure and municipal services, critics argue that it adds pressure on struggling households.

Clearer Communication Needed

The confusion over the surcharge highlights a broader issue: the need for more transparent communication from municipalities regarding utility costs and charges.

With surcharges becoming the norm across major metros, residents are urging city officials to provide clearer, more timely updates to avoid unnecessary panic or misunderstanding.

For now, Johannesburg residents can rest assured that no increase has been made to the existing electricity surcharge. But with the cost of living continuing to climb, public scrutiny over such charges is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

{Source: SABC News}

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