Are we being ripped off on electricity charges?

Madam – Is the Newcastle consumer being ripped off by the municipality regarding electricity charges?

My monthly consumption for September 2013 was 1155 kwh which I would believe is pretty average and even possibly below average.

The following table reflects the actual electricity tariff increases :

Tarriff Block Units Old Tariff Old Value New Tariff New Value
0- 50 50 66c R 33.00 70c R 35.00
50-350 300 77.72c R233.16 83.94c R251.82
350-600 250 80.27c R200.67 90c R225.00
over 600 555 81.4c R451.77 95c R527.25
R918.60 R1039.07

The percentage increase in this instance is 13.11% which is much more than the 7% limit set by NERSA so the answer to my question is Yes, we are being ripped off and NERSA should be asked whether or not they are aware of this and do they approve of these increases.

BAFFLED BATTLER

Response from Mayor:

The increases are approved by NERSA and so are the block tariffs, I will forward this letter to NERSA for comment.